Six Nations 2023 LIVE rugby: England vs Italy result and reaction to first win of Steve Borthwick era

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

Jack Willis was on the coronary heart of a complete bonus-point win, scoring the opening attempt and main the defensive effort, two years after struggling career-threatening knee harm in the identical fixture.

On that day his cries of ache rang out at an empty Twickenham after he was the sufferer of a ‘crocodile roll’ by Sebastian Negri, however that reminiscence was swept away by main the resistance in opposition to the Azzurri in his first begin since an damage that compelled him out for a 12 months.

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

Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and Henry Arundell crossed, as well as to a penalty attempt, to give Borthwick his first triumph since changing Eddie Jones in December – his reign had began with defeat to Scotland.

A much-needed win for England – a result to construct a bit of confidence forward of a visit to Cardiff within the center week of the event. It wasn’t essentially fairly from Steve Borthwick’s aspect: three of their 5 tries got here from lineout drives, and one other from ahead decide and goes instantly after a yellow card, however the fundamentals have been good, which provides them a sound basis.

“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.”

Two of Steve Borthwick’s wide selection calls paid off – the midfield regarded rather more balanced, with Ollie Lawrence to the fore within the carry, whereas Jack Willis was excellent within the again row, main the best way within the first half.

You may really feel the crackles of anticipation among the many house supporters each time Henry Arundell touched the ball this afternoon. Arundell took this attempt properly within the nook, some English followers unable to include their pleasure as beer rained down on to the press field from the third tier.

Something to construct on for England, by no means fairly placing Italy to the sword however rising as moderately conclusive bonus level victors. The first win of the Steve Borthwick was solid within the fundamentals, with England mauling and scrummaging properly, controlling territory and taking their possibilities after they got here. Italy confirmed rather more of their menace after the interval, significantly in open areas, however by no means fairly regarded like forcing the hosts to panic.

That feels smart – one other break in play permits Italy to take Polledri off and as a substitute return Niccolo Cannone to the sphere, with Federico Ruzza pushed into the again row for the ultimate scrum of the match.

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

Worries for Italy – each substitute again rows are compelled off. Jake Polledri appears to be like quite sore as he trudges for the touchline, with Manuel Zuliani despatched away to be part of him after the impartial match physician calls him for an HIA.

Hang on – Polledri is returning! I’m unsure he’s in a very match state to interact in even the ultimate throes of a recreation of check rugby, however again he comes to guarantee Italy do nonetheless have 15 on the sphere.

Now Capuozzo finds a spot! Crikey is he some runner out within the open, Ollie Lawrence overwhelmed and burned in area with Owen Farrell compelled to help and drag Capuozzo down..

Lawrence will get his revenge, maybe off his toes initially however nonetheless rewarded with the ball after jackaling. Moments after, Lawrence is called participant of the match – a really efficient return to the England midfield for the centre.