England opened the Six Nations with a 27-24 win over Italy, but while they had to work hard for the result, it was far from a formality.
Italy got off to a strong start with Tommaso Allan converting an early penalty, before Lorenzo Cannone found an opening and set Alessandro Garbisi on goal.
A roar erupts from the packed Stadio Olympic crowd.
England fought back first with a penalty from George Ford, then Tommy Freeman’s brilliant hidden line work that broke through the Italian defense and led to Elliot Daly’s goal to secure the gold medal.
Momentum pushed Italy back when Allan rode on the end of a great wraparound move, but England closed the gap again through two penalties from Ford, giving the hosts a 17-14 lead at half-time. Ta.
England hit back after the interval and took the lead thanks to Alex Mitchell’s exploits in the Italian defence, much to the delight of his team-mates.
Ford’s extra penalty pushed the visitors further forward, and despite a brave attacking effort and plenty of ground deep in England’s half, Italy were unable to collect a point for much of the second half. . The Italians managed to turn things around with Monty Ioane’s escape try with little time remaining.
Losing the bonus point will help ease the heartbreak for the Italians as they aim for their first win against England.
A special day for talented young people making their debut.my first @sixnationsrugby I’ve been playing this game for six years, but I’ve missed how special this tournament is. Travel support was excellent. See you next week when I return home 🌹 pic.twitter.com/KIh9tTruXS
— Danny Care (@dannycare) February 4, 2024
tape story
Italy got off to exactly the right start, opening up space for the English defense with some well-structured runs and deft movements to the rear. Their ability to create something out of broken play is very impressive and shows a new maturity for the Italian side, who have promised a lot to such young talent in camp.
But with youth comes inexperience, and that was on display in the second half of the 40th minute when Italy were eliminated in front of a resurgent England side. There were plenty of positive signs, especially on the attacking front, and there was plenty of hope that coach Gonzalo Quesada’s team would be able to produce results in this tournament.
In the end, the score was what mattered most to England. It was tougher and closer at times than they would have liked, but Steve Borthwick seems satisfied that some of his new faces are ready to shine.
Ethan Roots and Tommy Freeman in particular were active throughout, giving England a bit of extra attack by hitting rucks and powering past tacklers.
important moment
Italy went into a break in their last Six Nations match, but went on to win. It was against Wales two years ago. With the hosts holding a three-goal advantage to start the second half, you could be forgiven for thinking this was their moment.
However, those hopes gradually faded as England gained momentum and took the lead for the first time early in the second period with Mitchell’s mesmerizing run towards the tryline.
The try gave England the lead for the first time, but Italy’s resolve was thwarted and the Men in Blue never recovered from the worst punch.
Allan’s inaccuracy when he took off his boots and Ford’s composure in front of the posts meant England took the lead further and the result was never in doubt.
#ITAveNG🇮🇹🏴 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · “”
41 minutes – Bringing back all the Olympics. Forza Azzurri!
ITA-ENG 17-14#ItalRugby #Azurri@SixNationsRugby#Inseam #RugbyPassionNeitaliana pic.twitter.com/OT0y2wPgCM— Ital Rugby (@Federugby) February 3, 2024
man of the match
Had Italy continued their strong first half, several players from the Bucks could have won this honor. The honor will instead go to Tommy Freeman, who brought his Northampton Saints form to Roma and proved he is ready for a strong second start to his international career.
He contributed to England’s first try while hiding behind Henry Slade, then hit a gap to set Daly wide.
Even past that crucial moment, the winger was a constant presence in midfield, carrying the ball through Italian traffic and always looking like he was on top.
He is a big ball-carrier with explosive speed and could bring a lot to Borthwick’s future plans.
Outlook for next week
England have passed their first Test but we know we have to come to Twickenham next week prepared to face a young Welsh team who have a lot to prove.
The rivalry between England and Wales is always fraught, and Matchday 2 will be no different.
Things will only get more difficult for Italy next Sunday as they face a red-hot Ireland side in Dublin. Andy Farrell’s side produced a flawless performance in Paris, defeating France by a record score, and will look to continue their onslaught against the Azzurri.