England delivered a performance of ruthless efficiency and forward power to overwhelm Italy 31-14 on Sunday for a five-try bonus-point victory that got their Six Nations campaign back on track after last week’s defeat by Scotland.

The hosts might not have matched the sparkling rugby seen in Saturday’s two matches but Italy could not live with their pack strength, particularly a seemingly unstoppable rolling maul, following coach Steve Borthwick’s promise to get back to basics.

Having won only one of their last six games at Twickenham, the home fans were not about to start complaining about style, though Borthwick’s decision to mix up his midfield looked a good one as man of the match Ollie Lawrence brought much-needed pace and intensity to the inside centre channel.

First-half tries for Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum and Jamie George put England 19-0 up at halftime. A penalty try earned the bonus point and though Italy crossed twice in a more evenly-balanced second half, England finished strongly with a crowd-pleasing finish by exciting replacement winger Henry Arundell.

Their 30th win in 30 meetings with Italy continued England’s stranglehold on the fixture and maintained their position as the only team never to have lost to the Italians since they joined the competition in 2000.

Six Nations 2023 - England vs Italy

• REPORT: England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era

• 51’ PENALTY TRY! Simone Ferrari to the sin bin as England maul does the trick again [ENG 26-7 ITA]

• 44’ TRY! Italy start the second half fast and Marco Riccioni cuts England’s lead [ENG 19-7 ITA]

• 37’ TRY! Jamie George adds to lead after smart work from Henry Slade [ENG 19-0 ITA]

• 29’ TRY! Ollie Chessum grabs his first England try [ENG 14-0 ITA]

• 27’ YELLOW! Lorenzo Cannone sent to the sin bin after driving before English feet hit the turf [ENG 7-0 ITA]

• 13’ TRY! England secure the ideal start as Jack Willis profits from a meaty maul [ENG 7-0 ITA]

• Six Nations bonus points system explained

England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England dismantled a disappointing Italy to give the Steve Borthwick era lift off with a 31-14 Guinness Six Nations victory at Twickenham.

Jack Willis was at the heart of a comprehensive bonus-point win, scoring the opening try and leading the defensive effort, two years after suffering career-threatening knee damage in the same fixture.

On that day his cries of pain rang out at an empty Twickenham after he was the victim of a ‘crocodile roll’ by Sebastian Negri, but that memory was swept away by leading the resistance against the Azzurri in his first start since an injury that forced him out for a year.

When the Toulouse flanker was replaced by Ben Earl in the 53rd minute, he had made 20 tackles, eight more than his closest challenger Kyle Sinckler.

Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and Henry Arundell crossed, in addition to a penalty try, to give Borthwick his first triumph since replacing Eddie Jones in December – his reign had started with defeat to Scotland.

PA

England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era

Six Nations 2023: England 31-14 Italy

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A much-needed win for England - a result to build a bit of confidence ahead of a trip to Cardiff in the middle week of the tournament. It wasn’t necessarily pretty from Steve Borthwick’s side: three of their five tries came from lineout drives, and another from forward pick and goes immediately after a yellow card, but the basics were good, which gives them a sound foundation.

Six Nations 2023: England 31-14 Italy - Ollie Lawrence reacts to win

17:02 , Jack Rathborn

“It was important today to make a big step from last week,” Ollie Lawrence says.

“We took a massive stride forward. We’re rebuilding as a team.

“I try to keep my head down, in the past I’ve been too tense, I relaxed here, the boys were behind me.

“First time back in the squad for a long time, hopefully we can continue.

“It’s surreal, we wanted to make the fans proud, more together, more energetic, it’s a pleasure to be back out there.”

England’s changes pay dividends

17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two of Steve Borthwick’s big selection calls paid off - the midfield looked much more balanced, with Ollie Lawrence to the fore in the carry, while Jack Willis was superb in the back row, leading the way in the first half.

F/T: England 31-14 Italy

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You could feel the crackles of anticipation among the home supporters every time Henry Arundell touched the ball this afternoon. Arundell took this try nicely in the corner, some English fans unable to contain their excitement as beer rained down on to the press box from the third tier.

F/T: England 31-14 Italy

16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Something to build on for England, never quite putting Italy to the sword but emerging as reasonably conclusive bonus point victors. The first win of the Steve Borthwick was forged in the basics, with England mauling and scrummaging well, controlling territory and taking their chances when they came. Italy showed much more of their threat after the interval, particularly in open spaces, but never quite looked like forcing the hosts to panic.

FULL TIME! ENGLAND 31-14 ITALY

16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England 31-14 Italy, 80 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That feels wise - another break in play allows Italy to take Polledri off and instead return Niccolo Cannone to the field, with Federico Ruzza pushed into the back row for the final scrum of the match.

England clear possession cleanly, and Owen Farrell sends us to a close with a punt into the second tier.

England 31-14 Italy, 79 minutes

16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Worries for Italy - both replacement back rows are forced off. Jake Polledri looks rather sore as he trudges for the touchline, with Manuel Zuliani sent away to join him after the independent match doctor calls him for an HIA.

Hang on - Polledri is returning! I’m not sure he is in a particularly fit state to engage in even the final throes of a game of test rugby, but back he comes to ensure Italy do still have 15 on the field.

England 31-14 Italy, 78 minutes

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now Capuozzo finds a gap! Crikey is he some runner out in the open, Ollie Lawrence beaten and burned in space with Owen Farrell forced to assist and drag Capuozzo down..

Lawrence gets his revenge, perhaps off his feet initially but nonetheless rewarded with the ball after jackaling. Moments after, Lawrence is named player of the match - a very effective return to the England midfield for the centre.

England 31-14 Italy, 77 minutes

16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That is the game won, but England will be keen for a strong finish. For now, though it is Italy on the attack, Ange Capouozzo beefily met by new man Walker as he meanders on the hunt for a hole.

England 31-14 Italy, 73 minutes

16:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After 153 minutes sat on the bench in the Six Nations, at last an England debut for Jack Walker - Jamie George has had an effective game but you wonder if it might have been wise to grant slightly more minutes on the pitch to the replacement hooker at a position where Steve Borthwick is short of proven options.

Marcus Smith is on for Henry Slade, too, as the attendance is announced as just north of 81,000 - Twickenham close to full, but not at capacity.

TRY! ENGLAND 31-14 Italy (Henry Arundell try, 71 minutes)

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Henry Arundell goes over in the corner!

The first of many at Twickenham for an outstanding talent? England’s effervescent back replacements combine, Mitchell carving left towards Italian forwards and picking his moment to release a pass with a sliver of space opened for Arundell on the outside.

That’s all the London Irish youngster needs, a gleeful leap ensuring his legs remain in the air as he dots down.

England 26-14 Italy, 69 minutes

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England look to their maul again, chugging into the Italian 22 and onwards further. Down the white shirts eventually come ten metres out.

Alex Mitchell injects some tempo...

England 26-14 Italy, 68 minutes

16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Dan Cole and Mako Vunipola go to work, both Italian props infringing under pressure and allowing England to prod up towards the Italian 22.

England 26-14 Italy, 67 minutes

16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy threaten both edges, first left through the hands and then right from a well-weighted kick pass from Tommaso Allan. Federico Ruzza is a somewhat unlikely gatherer of it, though the lock is a very talented bloke - his one-handed, loose clasp of the ball proves foolish, though, with a stiff English collision forcing the ball to pop free.

Twickenham boos as Henry Arundell is denied an opportunity to counter after collecting a resulting loose Italian offload, but James Doleman had already blown his whistle. England will isntead feed the scrum.

England 26-14 Italy, 66 minutes

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England introduce Nick Isiekwe, Lewis Ludlam pushed across to number eight with Alex Dombrandt the man replaced.

England 26-14 Italy, 65 minutes

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Are English nerves just starting to jangle ever so slightly? There is a fair amount of space out there for Italy to attack now, Ange Capuozzo doing devilish things with his dancing feet but unable to quite cut England open. Italy eventually kick possession away, to moans of frustration from supporters suddenly encouraged by their side.

TRY! England 26-14 ITALY (Alessandro Fusco try, 64 minutes)

16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On the field a matter of moments but already Alessandro Fusco is over!

Italy switch their scrum-halves before the scrum, and play again with adventure and accuracy. Tommaso Menoncello spots a hole outside Dan Cole, and through the wing-cum-centre goes, aided by a bump from a forward in front of him that is cleared quickly by the TMO.

Menoncello wriggles free of Henry Arundell’s tackle but not that of Maro Itoje, though it matters not as Fusco snipes sharply between two retreating England forwards for the score. Tommaso Allan converts - surely not?

England 26-7 Italy, 62 minutes

16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fabulous rugby from Italy, delightful hands at the line. Pierre Bruno hurries on to the pass and offloads wonderfully over his shoulder to Ange Capuozzo, who in turn finds Stepehn Varney to the inside.

Varney can’t quite connect with Juan Ignacio Brex. And the scrum half is tied up in the ruck, with stalls Italy’s ball and stymies their flow, England able to reset and regather and reform a wall of white shirts. Italy eventually force a knock on from English hands and can build again.

England 26-7 Italy, 60 minutes

16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England swap their nines, with Alex Mitchell winning his second cap in the place of Jack van Poortvliet, with an increasingly loose game likely to suit the Northampton scrum-half’s skillset.

Italy are restored to full complement with the return of Simone Ferrari from the sin bin, with Luca Bigi on at hooker too.

England 26-7 Italy, 59 minutes

16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Close to a solo spectacular from Ollie Lawrence! Henry Slade compared the centre to Manu Tuilagi on Friday and that was reminiscent of Tuilagi in his pomp, Lawrence running right over the top of Tommaso Allan and then powering effortlessly away as he eases up through the gears.

Lawrence fends at the last defender and seems, briefly, to have escaped his clutches, but loses control of the ball, falling to floor unable to get an offload away as it slips through his hands.

England 26-7 Italy, 59 minutes

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Well played Maro!” is the cry of Owen Farrell as his Saracens teammate earns England a penalty after the two teams trade turnovers.

England 26-7 Italy, 57 minutes

16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A free kick to Italy allows the visitors to punt up towards halfway, but both sides will set again for a scrum after an Italian knock on in the air.

That allows a chance for Italy to make a change, and here is another welcome returnee to international rugby: Jake Polledri really has been through the mill over the last couple of years, but at his best is a real asset to this Italian side. He is on for Lorenzo Cannone.

England 26-7 Italy, 55 minutes

16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two more changes for England and another sizeable roar - this time it is for the arrival of Henry Arundell, making his Six Nations bow after a couple of carbonated cameos in Australia last summer. Mako Vunipola is on, too - Ellis Genge and Ollie Hassell-Collins go off.

An England knock on necessitates the reintroduction of Marco Riccioni to fulfil Italy’s duties on the tighthead. Federico Zani joins him in trotting across from the touchline, with Danilo Fischetti taken off.

England 26-7 Italy, 54 minutes

16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pierre Bruno’s eyes light up as he spies a flat, floating pass and shoots out the line, but the Italian replacement wing can’t quite reach his hands out to snatch it.

Max Malins has space to run into and toes ahead wisely as cover comes across, but Juan Ignacio Brex pivots swiftly and beats Malins to the bouncing ball. Italy’s clearance is half charged down - it’ll ne their lineout throw just inside the 22.

England 26-7 Italy, 53 minutes

16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A great ovation from the home crowd as England make a change before Italy’s lineout: Jack Willis takes leave after an uber-impressive showing, with Ben Earl on in the back row.

Italy execute their lineout drill and clear up towards halfway.

England 26-7 Italy, 52 minutes

16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That won’t help Italy - a lineout error to gift England possesion inside their own half. Owen Farrell produces a delightful, driven kick beyond Stephen Varney, finding the corner perfectly.

PENALTY TRY! ENGLAND 26-7 Italy (51 minutes)

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The maul produces again for England - and this time it is a penalty try!

Simone Ferrari has not been with us long, but off he goes to take a seat again after being shown yellow. A side entry and collapse from the replacement prop as England’s drive moved inexorably towards the Italian line again, and James Doleman trots beneath the posts on instruction from his assistant Tual Trainini.

A fourth score overall gives England a bonus point and should quell Italy’s brief fightback.

England 19-7 Italy, 49 minutes

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England get joy from the jackal - first winning a turnover near halfway and then Alex Dombrandt earning a penalty in the Italian 22 after Edoardo Padovani had been isolated after collecting a kick.

Both of England’s props need treatment: Kyle Sinckler’s nose is bloodied and bruised, while Ellis Genge was munched in an attempted tackle on Sebastian Negri. Genge smiles at the Italian flanker, ready to continue, but Sinckler will depart for further attention. Dan Cole on in his place as England kick to the corner...

England 19-7 Italy, 48 minutes

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Manuel Zuliani has grown superbly into this contest after his first half introduction in the place of Michele Lamaro. The replacement flanker locks over the ball to win a turnover penalty.

Another Italian change: Simone Ferrari on at tighthead for the Marco Riccioni. A pleasing return to Italian colours for the tighthead, despite some troubles at the scrum.

England 19-7 Italy, 47 minutes

16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy appear to get a march on at scrum time but the ball pops free from Lorenzo Cannone’s feet before his front row’s hard work can be rewarded, and England are on to it sharply through Jack van Poortvliet.

But a slightly aimless kick means they fail to capitalise, and Italy clear.

A change for the visitors - Pierre Bruno on for Luca Morisi, with Tommaso Menoncello shifting into midfield. He and Juan Ignacio Brex have combined nicely in the centres for Benneton this year.

England 19-7 Italy, 46 minutes

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Handbags! Players from both sides pile in as Owen Farrell and Sebastian Negri spark a scrap with a grapple on the floor. Negri had properly levelled the England fly half and let him know about it, each man thrusting hands into the other’s face as they rolled about on the floor.

Nothing doing - Steve Borthwick is furious, but it will be an Italian scrum.

TRY! England 19-7 ITALY (Marco Riccioni try, 44 minutes)

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is that swift second half Italian score!

Stephen Varney had been taken high by Maro Itoje, granting Italy advantage that they waste little time in converting. Big Marco Riccioni stands in at scrum half, bounces out of Freddie Steward’s low tackle and then carries two more Englishmen to within reach of the line. A powerful place; Italy are on the board.

England 19-0 Italy, 43 minutes

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And there’s the break! Lovely interplay from Italy and off goes Ange Capuozzo, snaking towards Freddie Steward, who isn’t charmed by those cobra hits and halts the full back.

But Italy build momentum...

England 19-0 Italy, 42 minutes

16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Seb Negri and Manuel Zuliani carry in a forthright manner, the replacement back row bouncing back to his feet to then rock back Maro Itoje two phases later. Juan Ignacio Brex steps in at first receiver, pulling back shrewdly to a looping player at the line as Italy threaten in possession for the first time in a long while.

England 19-0 Italy, 41 minutes

16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here go Italy’s intrepid explores, the visitors playing twice out the back from the kick off to try and plot an uncharted course through England’s wide defence. They are hauled down, and do now clear...

But a well organised chase and jackal earn a penalty.

SECOND HALF

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Owen Farrell kicks down into the Italian 22 annd we are back underway at Twickenham.

H/T: England 19-0 Italy

16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s bench options are out and about warming up in the interval, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith tossing passes between one another as Henry Arundell tests his flashing feet with a scamper into the corner.

Italy are out early, ready to resume after some harsh half-time words - they kicked much more in the first half than last week against England, but now might be the time to go back to all-out attack to try and hit quickly. England’s psychological scarring has repeatedly showed in the last six months - a couple of swift Italian scores could just make this half more interesting...

H/T: England 19-0 Italy

15:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy have probably been a little unfortunate about the nature of this game - the whistle of the referee and their scrum woes rather punctured any hope they had of building momentum or fluency in the first half. They will rue not making more of a five metre lineout on the left with England only a single score ahead, and it is a long, long way back from here - particularly with Michele Lamaro off permanently, it would seem, after suffering a leg injury and then departing for an HIA.

16 first half tackles for Jack Willis, by the way. All action stuff from the flanker.

H/T: England 19-0 Italy

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After what happened to his leg 24 months ago here against Italy, and given how tough this season has been, too, how pleasing a moment this must have been for Jack Willis.

H/T: England 19-0 Italy

15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nerve settler of a half for England fans fretting about the Steve Borthwick era after a flat start against Scotland. England have done the basics well, two maul scores to particularly please their head coach and Ollie Chessum going over, too. Jack Willis has been superb on his return, carrying in a forthright manner and with trademark threat at the breakdown, while Ollie Lawrence has enjoyed his own productive return - England have used the centre intelligently so far, using him from a variety of angles to win the first phase gainline. Italy haven’t yet really entered a fractured contest.

HALF TIME! ENGLAND 19-0 ITALY

15:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England 19-0 Italy, 40 minutes

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Owen Farrell almost snatches a score! Clever variation from Jack van Poortvliet, spotting Tommaso Menoncello pushing too far towards the left touchline in the backfield and lifting a box into space thus left vacant.

An exaggerated skywards bounce threatens to fall kindly for Farrell, but the England captain can’t gather under pressure ten metres out.

That’ll do us for the first 40.

England 19-0 Italy, 39 minutes

15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy spin it left and right, hunting a hole in an England defence looking rather better organised than a week ago. Juan Ignacio Brex fires a pass to no-one in particular, and England can hunt a bonus point before the half from Italian territory.

England 19-0 Italy, 38 minutes

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lorenzo Cannone returns from the sin bin with England two tries further to the good than when the number eight departed, and Italy in a bit of a hole. England’s power game has kept Italy out of it in the last 15 minutes, with a fractured game quite suiting the hosts.

TRY! ENGLAND 19-0 Italy (Jamie George try, 37 minutes)

15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No doubt about that one!

Banker ball to Lewis Ludlam at the front, and England’s forwards and backs gather en masse aroudn their jumper. In come Henry Slade and Owen Farrell to lend their mass, but it’s scarcely required - Jamie George this time the beneficiary of his forwards work against an under-manned Italian defensive lineout.

Farrell’s conversion is tugged away to the left.

No try! England 14-0 Italy, 36 minutes

15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a shove in the back from Ollie Lawrence as he tangles legs with Manuel Zuliani, creating a hole through which Malins then shimmies - there isn’t much in it, really, but Zuliani would have been there to halt the England wing but for Lawrence’s bump.

NO TRY! James Doleman has a look at three angles and chalks it off.

England have a penalty on the other side, once again kicked into the corner.

TRY? England 14-0 Italy

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Max Malins sparks it, Jack van Poortvliet scores it, but is there obstruction in the build up to the scrum half’s score?

England 14-0 Italy, 34 minutes

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly for England! Outstanding cover from Edoardo Padovani!

Sharp sniping from Jack van Poortvliet to exploit some slow Italian fringe defence, and Ellis Genge is with his scrum half in support. Stephen Varney grapples with Genge, eventually bringing him to floor, but there are still chances for England if the ball is quick.

It isn’t, forcing Farrell again to boot, with Jamie George favourite of the chasers. But George doesn’t quite have the gas, allowing Padovani to get to the hopping ball first.

England 14-0 Italy, 33 minutes

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have little appetite to play aimless phases, Owen Farrell kicking into the corner at the first hint of slow ball. Italy scramble back sharply in good number and clear to a similar position on the right touchline to where England started that last movement.

England 14-0 Italy, 32 minutes

15:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Smart thinking from England, Freddie Steward pushed out to the right wing for the second time this first half to try and get after the significantly smaller in stature Ange Capuozzo in the air. Capuozzo does just enough in the air to win the ball back, but Italy make a mess of their clearance, resulting in an England territorial win.

England 14-0 Italy, 30 minutes

15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two reasonably clinical trips to the Italian 22 from England, and the speed with which they scored there means the home side will have most of Lorenzo Cannone’s period in the bin to attack against 14. An aerial fumble from Italy grants them a scrum feed just inside their own half.

TRY! ENGLAND 14-0 Italy (Ollie Chessum try, 29 minutes)

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Ollie Chessum crashes over for his first England try!

Efficient enough from the hosts, Jack Willis showing well in the carry as Italy struggled to combat England’s heavy artillery. Genge is involved again, picking up from the base and releasing a lovely blind pass at the line to put his old Leicester front five chum through a gap.

Owen Farrell converts Chessum’s score.

England 7-0 Italy, 28 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nothing inventive from England, Genge carrying hard and then the rest of the forwards following their loosehead’s lead...

YELLOW CARD! Lorenzo Cannone is sent to the sin bin! England 7-0 Italy, 27 minutes

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And there is the reach for the pocket from Doleman - Lorenzo Cannone drove before English feet were back to floor at the lineout, and he’ll have ten minutes on the naughty step to reflect on it.

England switch strategy - Ellis Genge taps and charges towards the left corner...

England 7-0 Italy, 25 minutes

15:30 , Jack Rathborn

England 7-0 Italy, 26 minutes

15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Danilo Fischetti this time enters from the side - Federico Ruzza has taken over the Italian captaincy and is called into the headmaster’s office for a stern word.

James Doleman ignores Owen Farrell’s request for a card, but as England return to the corner, Italy will have to quell it legally or draw further sanction.

England 7-0 Italy, 25 minutes

15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy are penalised again at the maul, Niccolo Cannone changing his bind to stall it.

England into the corner once more.

England 7-0 Italy, 24 minutes

15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Michele Lamaro has soldiered on but is finally traipsing off - HIA is the call from the officials, with Manuel Zuliani on at least temporarily.

That’s Jack Willis at his best - other refs might have deemed his release unclear, but there is no doubting the strength of the openside’s jackal as he tackles, stays on his feet and draws a holding on penalty with hamstrings fully flexed. England back into the Italian 22 with possession for the first time since their opening score.

England 7-0 Italy, 23 minutes

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eesh! England are using Ollie Lawrence early and often from a variety of alignments, lurking beyond two would-be carriers here to ask a different question of the Italian defence. He and Lorenzo Cannone meet in a muscular manner, the Italian’s challenge just about legal.

England eventually kick possession away and then make a tackle in the air.

England 7-0 Italy, 21 minutes

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marco Riccioni is still battling to get his body height right - James Doleman pings the tighthead for a second time. Too long in the set up, and England can clear to touch from the penalty.

England 7-0 Italy, 20 minutes

15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Excellent defence from England. Italy are unhappy that James Doleman never calls a maul, but Danilo Fischetti never got a knee to floor as Jack Willis and Alex Dombrandt’s constricting limbs combine to hold the loosehead up. Down Fischetti eventually comes, and England will have the feed with the ball unplayable.

England 7-0 Italy, 19 minutes

15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stout initial maul defence from England, stalling Italy and forcing the visitors’ forwards down in a clump. But Italy reload and their burly-men start to make dents.

England 7-0 Italy, 18 minutes

15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tommaso Allan finds touch on the England 22.

Giacomo Nicotera throws to the tail, where Sebastian Negri claims nicely. He’s contacted in the air by English arms, too - penalty advantage for Italy to work with.

Stephen Varney loops out of the back of the forwards and Ange Capuozzo bursts through a gap! An effortless injection of pace from the full back, just about snared by the shoelaces.

Italy knock on, but have the penalty to return to - and like England, they fancy a go with the driving lineout rather than taking three points.

England 7-0 Italy, 17 minutes

15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy are leader-less for the moment - Michele Lamaro has gone down again, with a wobbly left leg a real concern. The physios will strap him up, and Lamaro will try to continue, but his movement during the last passage was not at all smooth. Italy do have two back rowers among their six forwards on the bench, but can’t really afford to lose their captain.

England 7-0 Italy, 16 minutes

15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy struggle to get anything going, short of a man as their captain limps uncomfortably back towards them. Eventually, Tommaso Allan is forced to kick, with Freddie Steward taking, clearing and chasing.

Ange Capuozzo wriggles away from his opposite number, and a good carry on the righ earns Italy an advantage for Jack van Poortvliet’s failure to vacate a ruck. A knock on means the visitors will be forced to come back for it.

England 7-0 Italy, 15 minutes

15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Exiting from restarts has been a persistent problem throughout this Six Nations weekend - England do an okay job here, though Henry Slade might have liked more distance on his left-footed punt for touch.

A worry for Italy. Michele Lamaro carries hard but stays down for an extended period as his side work through more phases near halfway. Two physios are quickly to the Italian captain.

TRY! ENGLAND 7-0 Italy (Jack Willis try, 13 minutes)

15:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A meaty maul and Jack Willis profits!

A horror injury in this fixture two years ago, and this means plenty to the openside, a great emotional release as he celebrates, roaring and punching the air.

His job was simple, riding England’s impressive chariot to the line and flopping down as he spotted the white line. England are up and rumbling, with Owen Farrell’s conversion from left of centre making it a seven-pointer.

England 0-0 Italy, 12 minutes

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy contest hard at the breakdown, but illegally so - Luca Morisi’s hands were on the floor first as he tried to jackal.

England...opt for the corner!

England 0-0 Italy, 11 minutes

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy get a nudge on this time, but England extract it just in time. Jack van Poortvliet hopes to find the blindside vacant but finds Italian shirts in front of him, prompting another stab in behind.

Italy again cover it well. Goalline drop out.

England 0-0 Italy, 10 minutes

15:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down it goes as restlessness builds in the Twickenham crowd. A little too much time has been spent so far sorting these sorry set-pieces, which has denied both sides a chance to really get into the game.

England 0-0 Italy, 9 minutes

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Doleman really isn’t happy with the way Italy are setting up for the scrum - Giacomo Nicotera has withdrawn his brake foot and, having been warned earlier, is free kicked.

England fancy another go, taking the scrum option.

England 0-0 Italy, 8 minutes

15:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Solid enough from Italy, allowing Stephen Varney to hook a clearance away. A decent chance for England to attack from here, though, a lineout 35 metres out.

No maul yet - England feign a drive and then pass into midfield, but a knock on ends any thought of building further.

England 0-0 Italy, 7 minutes

15:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another unsteady set-piece. Ellis Genge offers some advice to both the referee and Marco Riccioni on the Italian tighthead before they all squat down again for another push.

England 0-0 Italy, 6 minutes

15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Promising for England! Another forthright carry from Lawrence, this time arriving in a timely manager on the shoulder of his centre partner Henry Slade.

Then out the back, Owen Farrell looping and prodding a grubber through with Max Malins and Ollie Hassell-Collins in hot pursuit. Edoardo Padovani just about hurries back to quell the danger - Italy’s five metre scrum feed.

England 0-0 Italy, 4 minutes

15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Doleman isn’t happy with the initial formation of both front rows, peeping them up for further instruction before directing them to pack down again.

Down it goes with England slightly in the ascendancy - Doleman blows more forecefully on his whistle and awards the penalty England’s way. Marco Riccioni deemed the cause of the collapse.

England 0-0 Italy, 3 minutes

15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bosh! Ollie Lawrence into the game straight away, on the hard charge up the middle to set a platform. But England get over-eager thereafter, Ollie Chessum peeling an arm back to try and reel in an errant pass, and not quite managing to lock a great right paw around it. Knock on, Italy’s scrum virtually dead centre.

England 0-0 Italy, 2 minutes

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A front of the lienout move from Italy, Michele Lamaro supporting Stephen Varney, who does well to remain in the field of play. England attack the next ruck hard, trying to drive Italy off it, but a strong carry from Sebastian Negri regathers momentum.

Or not! Danilo Fischetti diving off his feet to seal off - penalty to England after a strong first defensive effort.

England 0-0 Italy, 1 minute

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is Chessum who goes up and comes down, taking the ball nicely despite a slightly rocky lift.

Jack van Poortvliet clears to beyond halfway, but England are soon penalised, Chessum failing to roll away from a midfield ruck and causing Stephen Varney to take a hop. Tommaso Allan kicks down into the England 22.

KICK OFF!

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy get things underway.

Here we go

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy will get thing started, Tommaso Allan picking his spot amongst the assembled England catchers. Ollie Chessum takes a deep breath on the left, Maro Itoje the right, two towers ready to be hoisted high to receive.

Match Officials

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Doleman has saved on his air fares this week - an assistant here last week for England against Scotland and now with whistle-in-hand today.

The New Zealander leads an otherwise all-French officiating team.

Referee: James Doleman (NZR)ARs: Mathieu Raynal (FFR) & Tual Trainini (FFR)TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

Anthems

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A pleasant playing of “Il Canto degli Italian”, sung ever enthusiastically by the Italian squad and a healthy contingent of travelling support. Michele Lamaro and Danilo Fischetti roar out the final notes, swaying forward together with great gusto.

After a tenor last week, a soprano on “God Save the King” duties, with the majority of the Twickenham crowd providing their support.

Italy vs England

14:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The White Stripes welcome the two sides on to the lush Twickenham surface, Owen Farrell still bearing the scars of battle with some heavy strapping around a head wound suffered against Scotland.

England vs Italy

14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tickets had been a little slow to move for this fixture, but the RFU were optimistic on Friday that there would be a late surge to allow them to declare a sell out. With 10 minutes or so until kick off, patches of green seats all around Twickenham suggest that they might not get there.

England vs Italy

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slate grey skies aren’t promising, but there is no rain forecast this afternoon, and the breeze is steady rather than gusting - nothing to overly trouble either side under the high ball.

England vs Italy

14:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy’s approach is intriguing, too - I think their play-from-anywhere strategy last week was more France-specific than some think, denying Fabien Galthie’s side kick return opportunities or a chance to build from the lineout. England were very, very reluctant to maul against Scotland, despite some fun variation in their lineout routines. You’d suggest they might be more willing to drive this afternoon if Italy do kick more ball out when exiting their 22.

Final preparations

14:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

However exciting England’s backs might be, I am expecting them to try and keep things tight - grinding out a win would not be a bad thing for a team in sore need of a confidence boost.

They’ll worry if Italy are still hanging around come the final ten minutes, though - the visitors are uber fit and could strike quickly late.

England’s revamped midfield

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick did not come out and say it outright, but the England head coach heavily intimated this week that his preferred midfield for this tournament would have looked something like Owen Farrell, Dan Kelly, Henry Slade.

Kelly’s injury is a significant blow for a player on the rise, and for an England team that could use his balanced skillset, but Slade’s return was welcomed by Borthwick, who sees him as a key player. Borthwick has been studying Slade’s best performances – the 2019 quarter final thumping of Australia, the Six Nations win in Dublin that kickstarted that year and the 2021 carving of South Africa all jumping to mind – in a bid to get the best out of a centre who has never quite translated clear quality into consistent top-level international performances.

Slade hasn’t been helped by England’s issues at centre during his seven and a half years as an international player. The 29-year-old has had eleven partners in his 52 Tests, but is happy to combine with Ollie Lawrence again, believing the blend offered by the pair should go well.

“I think it’s similar to how myself and Manu play together,” Slade explained, noting that he and Lawrence will interchange often. “He’s a very similar player in terms of being a powerful guy who’ll get you over the gain-line. I’m less powerful, but our strengths complement one another.

“We want to use him, and not use him, to manipulate the defence and give ourselves space and time to get the ball to the edges. He’s been good to play with and I’ve got a good relationship with him off the pitch, which always helps. He brings a lot of qualities with his power and his strength.”

‘So special’ Henry Arundell backed to star by Nick Evans

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England will unleash explosive wing Henry Arundell off the bench at Twickenham on Sunday with instructions to shred Italy’s defence.

Arundell has earned an immediate recall for the Six Nations round two clash after missing the entire autumn because of an ankle injury, limiting him to just 30 minutes of rugby for his club London Irish since October

But the 20-year-old try-scoring sensation, who earlier this week was likened to Jason Robinson by Owen Farrell, has been tearing up training with England and is ready to add to the three caps won against Australia in July.

“Henry’s special, so special, and I’ve loved watching him train. Any time he gets the ball he looks like he will break a tackle. He reacts on instinct,” attack coach Nick Evans said.

“When he gets the opportunity to come in it’s all about getting him into space and creating as many one-on-ones for him as possible. The one v one is something he works really hard on, it’s a super strength of his.

“Henry is like all quality players, they’re probably uncoachable in terms of how they feel the game and the way they react to certain situations.”

‘So, so special’ Henry Arundell given boost by England coaching staff

Italian pack fit to match England

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy have plenty of scavenging threat of their own: Michele Lamaro, both Cannone brothers and Danilo Fischetti are all very strong over the ball, and I was particularly impressed by Giacomo Nicotera against France last week, particularly in the second half. Fischetti and Marco Riccioni are two props that Italy can really build around – the pair came through the U20s together and are a nicely balanced duo.

After recovering from an ACL injury, Riccioni opted to skip Italy’s autumn business to remain with Saracens and build back his confidence and fitness at club level. Though England scrummaged well against Scotland, there are still some vulnerabilities apparent that Italy might be able to exploit, which could be key if they are to push England closer.

Jack Willis back on the hunt on the England openside

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It speaks to how bad Jack Willis’ injury against Italy two years ago was that Ellis Genge tried to swiftly move the conversation on when asked about it on Friday. Willis’ Six Nations debut was ended prematurely by a trapped leg, a crocodile roll and a career-threatening tearing of the knee ligaments, and it is lovely to see him back. England don’t hurt for openside options but this is probably Willis’ best chance yet of staking a real claim to a starting shirt.

Not that this year has been particularly easy either, with the demise of Wasps forcing a relocation to Toulouse. The flanker has been very impressive for the French side, though, and Steve Borthwick was clear on how Willis had impressed him in the last couple of months.

“He hunts,” Borthwick said of his chosen openside. “You watch his games, you watch him train – he hunts. It’s very easy for us to talk about that stealing the ball on the floor, but I also see him carrying the ball really effectively. Physically he moves well, his low ground mobility is excellent.

“He has been through a lot in his career, and he is still a young man. I see tremendous resilience and character.”

Team News - Italy

14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After a performance of yet more great strides against France, Kieran Crowley backs a similar side to go again against England. There are two changes to the starting fifteen, both somewhat anticipated: Marco Riccioni, despite injury issues, has impressed sparring with English props at Saracens over the last couple of seasons and pairs nicely with do-everything Danilo Fischetti; Edoardo Padovani’s experience and aerial ability should be valuable in an otherwise youthful back three.

There’s still no Paolo Garbisi, with Crowley loading up again with six forwards on the bench. Among them, special mention must be reserved for Jake Polledri – a unique player who it is great to see back on the international stage after an incredibly rough time of things over the last couple of years.

Italy XV: Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Marco Riccioni; Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza; Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (capt.), Lorenzo Cannone; Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan; Tommaso Menoncello, Luca Morisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, Edoardo Padovani; Ange Capuozzo.

Replacements: Luca Bigi, Federico Zani, Simone Ferrari, Edoardo Iachizzi, Jake Polledri, Manuel Zuliani; Alessandro Fusco, Pierre Bruno.

Team News - England

14:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a new look to new England this week, with Owen Farrell occupying the number ten shirt for his country for the first time in more than two years. The captain shifts in one from the centres, with Marcus Smith dropped to the bench after starting every England game last year.

Steve Borthwick is a great fan of Henry Slade, and the centre’s return is therefore welcome for the England coach, who pairs the Exeter man with Ollie Lawrence to Farrell’s outside. Up front, there is a single alteration – Ben Curry’s time as his brother’s stand-in was brief, with Jack Willis fully up to speed and the first French-based player to play for England in the Six Nations in 11 years.

England’s back replacements are primed to sizzle, with Alex Mitchell, the aforementioned Smith and a returning Henry Arundell ensuring there should be an injection of attacking verve if required. Jack Walker, unused last week, still awaits a debut.

England XV: Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum; Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, Alex Dombrandt; Jack van Poortvliet, Owen Farrell (capt.); Ollie Hassell-Collins, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Max Malins; Freddie Steward.

Replacements: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Earl; Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell.

England vs Italy

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a slightly damp day at Twickenham, drizzle on the windscreen on the way in, but the promise of spring in the rise of the mercury up into double figures.

An hour until kick off - let’s take a closer look through the two teams....

13:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Italy head coach Kieran Crowley expects England to present a “more direct and unified” test under Steve Borthwick at Twickenham on Sunday.

Borthwick’s first game as England boss ended in Guinness Six Nations defeat last weekend as Scotland beat them 29-23 to lift the Calcutta Cup.

But Crowley believes Borthwick has now had the necessary time since succeeding Eddie Jones to get his methods and principles across to the players.

“I think they will be a lot more direct and unified,” said former New Zealand back Crowley after making two changes to the side that narrowly lost their championship opener to France in Rome.

“When a new coach comes in it takes a little bit of time. But they’ve had three weeks now, so I expect that defence will be a lot more solid.”

Italy expect ‘more direct and unified’ test from England – boss Kieran Crowley

Eddie Jones makes fresh England dig at Steve Borthwick

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eddie Jones admits that Steve Borthwick was “probably right” when stating he had inherited an England team that “weren’t good at anything”.

Borthwick, who took over from Jones as head coach in December, offered the damning assessment following last Saturday’s 29-23 Six Nations defeat by Scotland at Twickenham.

Jones was sacked after presiding over a dire 2022 and, having now taken charge of Australia, he accepts his attempts to enhance England’s attack created problems.

“Well he’s probably right and that’s part of the problem,” Jones said on his podcast EDDIE. “We were trying to morph a team that had had a very good set-piece and very good kicking game.

“The way that the game is played at the moment, that will win you games but it’s probably not good enough to be World Cup champions.

“And so expanding the attack sometimes takes away from your strengths and they’re going through that difficult period now where they’re trying to get that balance right in their game.

“But Steve will fix it. There’s no doubt he’ll fix it. And keep blaming me. That’s all right, I’ve got a pretty strong back and pretty strong shoulders to absorb that.”

Steve Borthwick explains England team selection

13:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Owen Farrell has been entrusted with the fly-half duties for England’s Six Nations clash with Italy after Steve Borthwick underlined the role played by Henry Slade’s return in unlocking his midfield selection.

Marcus Smith has been dropped to accommodate Farrell’s move from inside centre to the number 10 jersey, breaking up the playmaking axis that has been in place for the last eight Tests.

Completing the overhaul for the round-two match at Twickenham is Slade’s return at outside centre after missing the defeat by Scotland because of a groin injury and Ollie Lawrence’s return at 12.

With Farrell restored to his preferred position and Lawrence offering a powerful running option, the midfield has a balance that has been made possible by Slade.

“In terms of the dynamic, having Henry available this week is very important,” said Borthwick. “When I was an assistant coach with England, Henry played in some very important games for us and he brought some strengths in some really important games.

“Coming back, I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with him. He’s a seasoned campaigner, at both international level and club level and has an outstanding skillset.”

Ellis Genge tells England to ‘find our fire’ against Italy

13:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Ellis Genge has demanded England look inwards for inspiration rather than relying on the roar of Twickenham when they face an Italy side in the ascendancy.

Steve Borthwick’s reign opened with a 29-23 defeat by Scotland and while the Azzurri have traditionally been the weakest opponents in the Six Nations, they have been revitalised by last year’s victories over Wales and Australia.

Even though the Calcutta Cup ultimately remained in Scottish hands the buzz had returned to Twickenham. However, Sunday matches at the venue tend to produce more muted atmospheres.

Genge, England’s vice-captain, insists his team must “find our own fire” in their pursuit of their first win under Eddie Jones’ successor.

“I’d be worried if we don’t motivate ourselves to be honest,” the Bristol prop said.

“If we’re not trying to win and are relying on the fans to give us the energy to do so, we are probably not in the right spot.

“It’s brilliant to have a loud crowd and loads of noise but in the same breath it’s not something we’re necessarily relying on - we have got to find our own fire.”

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