ITALY 0-33 ENGLAND
Eddie Jones’ men got back on track, in Rome, thanks to a couple of their Harlequins stars. They score well in our England player ratings, along with Harry Randall.
Alex Dombrandt clearly had a point to prove, starting in the No.8 jersey, and his paw prints were all over the first half. England opened up the scoring when Max Malins teamed up with Marcus Smith, out wide, and the outhalf glided over before converting his try.
Italy had a couple of decent scoring chances, only for the last pass to go awry, but England were more clinical. Jamie George got over for his 10th and 11th Test tries and it was looking ominous for the second half.
England twist the knife
It took only five minutes into the second half for England to secure the bonus point, with Smith finding Elliot Daly [on for the injured Jack Nowell] on the left wing to get over in the corner.
Italy showed a lot of heart, thereafter, and pushed the visitors hard in an effort to get their side of the scoreboard moving. It was not to be, though, and the final try went to Kyle Sinckler as he crashed over in the final minutes.
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS
Freddie Steward – 8
Enjoyed himself out there. Wheels for days.
Max Malins – 6
Tidy without being spectacular. Couple of decent carries, with one nice offload. Set up Smith’s opener.
Joe Marchant – 6
Was not troubled too much, at all. Forwards were hogging the ball, and making it count. Stuck his tackles but may not have completely locked down a spot for Wales, especially if Manu Tuilagi returns.
Henry Slade – 7
Was really leaned on as the second playmaker – passing and kicking the ball six times more than taking it into contact.
Jack Nowell – 6
After finally getting another crack at a start, was going well until injury ended his match early.
Marcus Smith – 8
One try, one assist and some slick passing out there. Kicked well off the tee and looked completely at ease.
Harry Randall – 8
A real statement made from Randall, today. He was a livewire and kept England ticking over with rapid ball and some sniping runs.
Ellis Genge – 7
Brought some real aggression and intent out there. Very busy around the pitch, and was a tackling machine. Did miss a couple of tackles, though, and give up a couple of turnovers.
Jamie George – 8
Got himself two tries in his 55 minutes and was strong at the scrum and lineout.
Will Stuart – 6
Only played 40 minutes. Made some strong pick-and-go carries. Not needed to sink a single defensive tackle.
Charlie Ewels – 6
Did not have it all his own way. Bit into tackles and clear-outs, but conceded a couple of turnovers.
Nick Isiekwe – 5
Conceded two turnovers and did not make much ground with his carries. Will be frustrated with some aspects of his performance.
Maro Itoje – 7
Bullied, harassed and harangued the Italians. Provided front-foot ball all day and was a breakdown nuisance.
Tom Curry – 7
Imposed himself on the Italians, in contact and on the deck. Some strong front-foot carries, and launched into tackles.
Alex Dombrandt – 9
Had his merry way with Italy. Turnovers, clean breaks, offloads, try assists and metres gained on just about every carry. If only Eddie Jones could accommodate him AND Simmonds in his back row.
REPLACEMENTS
Elliot Daly (for Nowell ’17) – 7
Came on early and had a good outing on the wing. Got the bonus point-securing try.
Kyle Sinckler (for Stuart ’40) – 7
Over for a late try.
Luke Cowan-Dickie (for George ’56) – 6
Sam Simmonds (Nick Isiekwe ’56) – 6
Ben Youngs (for Randall ’56) – 6
On for his record-equalling 114th Test cap.
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