England rumble over Italy

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England bounced back from a disappointing loss to Scotland by delivering a comfortable victory against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

Tries from Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and Henry Arundell along with a penalty try combined to for a 31-14 bonus-point victory, England’s first under coach Steve Borthwick.

Italy, beaming with confidence after a narrow loss to France, were determined to give the ball air and they were rewarded with promising forays from prop Marco Riccioni and replacement scrumhalf Alessandro Fusco.

England captain Owen Farrell turned down an easy three early on, opting to kick for the corner where flanker Willis went over off the back of a maul as the hosts took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

England continued to apply the pressure as they pounded towards the Italy try line, leading to loose forward Lorenzo Cannone being sent to the sin bin after numerous infringements. Lock Chessum then made the numerical advantage count as he went over from a pick and go.

Scrumhalf Jack Van Poortvliet had his try disallowed after obstruction but 60 seconds later, one maul try became two as the England pack was too powerful for the visitors. Hooker George dotted down before half time for a 19-0 lead.

However, Italy started the second half the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded with Riccioni going over as they finally got onto the scoreboard.

England reverted to the maul to devasting effect as they were awarded a penalty try, securing the bonus point. Italy lost replacement prop Simone Ferrari to the naughty chair as the hosts led 26-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Italy refused to go down without a fight, running from everywhere, eventually leading to Fusco darting across the line, but this was followed by Arundell scoring in the corner to put the game to bed.

Both sides will look forward to a week off before England travel to Wales and Italy host Ireland in a fortnight.

Photo: Twitter/@EnglandRugby

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