England kept their Six Nations title hopes alive heading into the final weekend with a thumping 47-24 victory over Italy. Tries from Jack Willis, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith, and braces from Ollie Sleightholme and Tom Curry, helped Steve Borthwick’s side up to second in the table.
France’s bruising victory over Ireland on Saturday means they are in the driving seat heading into next weekend. But England, who sit one point behind the group leaders, are still alive.
Express Sport rates how each England player fared against Italy…
England player ratings vs Italy
15 – Elliot Daly 7
Shifted to 13 after early Lawrence injury and neat left foot nudge for Freeman try
14 – Tommy Freeman 8
Four tries in four games in this tournament and putting himself in contention for Lions Test spot
13 – Ollie Lawrence 6
One burst but was carted off with a hamstring injury just eight minutes into contest
12 – Fraser Dingwall 7
First Test for nearly a year and brought the same glue in midfield here as does at Northampton
11 – Ollie Sleightholme 7
Showed his sniper’s instincts when scoring just before the break and better aerially than previously
10 – Fin Smith 8
Making himself at home in England’s No.10 jersey and another no drama display from the Saint
9 – Alex Mitchell 7
Booed for kicking too much against Scotland but linked play well from hand here and constant threat
1 – Ellis Genge 8
Had a good time at scrum against Riccioni and some big busts with ball in hand
2 – Jamie George 7
100th cap for one of the greats of the English game and super offload for Sleigholme’s second
3 – Will Stuart 7
Good at scrum and even better footwork for a prop in build-up to Marcus Smith’s score
4 – Maro Itoje (capt) 7
Growing as a leader and stood out in a no-win game for England in line out and set-piece
5 – Ollie Chessum 8
Good in the line out and made himself busy with ball in hand out in the wide channels
6 – Tom Curry 9
Usual self with his high tempo game and two huge carries to make a try for himself
7 – Ben Earl 7
Came back on after blood injury to continue tussle with Italian back row and won
8 – Tom Willis 6
Cut a great line for England’s first score and physical but replaced early in second half
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie (for George 54) 6, Fin Baxter (for Genge 59) 6, Joe Heyes (for Stuart 59) 5, Ted Hill (for T Curry 56) 6, Chandler Cunningham-South (for Earl 50) 7, Ben Curry (for Willis 44) 6, Jack van Poortvliet (for Mitchell 63) 6, Marcus Smith (for Lawrence 8) 9
Italy: A.Capuozzo 8; M.Ioane 6, J.Brex 7, T.Menoncello 7, M.Gallagher 5; P.Garbisi 6, S.Varney 5; D.Fischetti 5, G.Nicotera 5, M.Riccioni 4, N. Cannone 6, F.Ruzza 5, S.Negri 6, M.Lamaro (capt) 6, R.Vintcent 6
Replacements: G.Lucchesi (for Nicotera 51) 5, M.Spagnolo (for Fischetti 59) 5, S.Ferrari (for Riccioni 47) 6, R.Favretto (for Cannone 69) 5, M.Zuliani (for Lamaro 51) 5, L.Cannone (for Vintcent 51) 5, M.Page-Relo (for Varney 56) 5, T.Allan (for Capuozzo 70) 5
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRE)
