England kept themselves in Guinness Six Nations title contention after beating Italy 47-24 in bonus-point fashion at Allianz Stadium.
A five-point maximum took Steve Borthwick’s team above Ireland and into second place behind France ahead of the so-called Super Saturday finale next weekend.
England will require a repeat result against Wales – and hope that Scotland stun France in Paris – as they chase Six Nations silverware, but it is long odds on such a scenario unfolding.
It was a third successive triumph in the tournament following narrow victories over France and Scotland, yet Italy – crushed 73-24 at home by France seven days earlier – trailed by less than a score at half-time before England marked hooker Jamie George’s 100th cap in fitting fashion.
Tom Willis, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme scored first-half tries, all converted by Fin Smith, but Italy responded through touchdowns from Ange Capuozzo and Ross Vintcent, with Paolo Garbisi adding a penalty and two conversions.
Marcus Smith, an early replacement for centre Ollie Lawrence after he suffered an injury that looks likely to rule him out of contention in Cardiff, and Tom Curry crossed in quick succession during the third quarter to leave Italy floundering, effectively ending the game as a contest.
England maintained their pursuit of the Guinness Six Nations title after a commanding 47-24 victory over Italy at the Allianz Stadium, earning a crucial bonus point in the process. This impressive win lifted Steve Borthwick’s squad above Ireland into second place, trailing only France as they headed into the much-anticipated Super Saturday finale next weekend.
To clinch the championship, England will need to replicate their strong performance against Wales and hope for an upset as Scotland takes on France in Paris—a scenario that appears unlikely but not entirely out of reach given the unpredictable nature of international rugby.
This latest victory marked England’s third consecutive win in the tournament, showcasing their resilience after narrowly overcoming both France and Scotland in previous matches. Despite Italy’s poor form, having been overwhelmed 73-24 by France just a week earlier, they put up a spirited fight, trailing by just a single score at half-time. The match also honored hooker Jamie George, who celebrated his 100th cap with a memorable performance.
In the first half, England’s attack was spearheaded by tries from Tom Willis, Tommy Freeman, and Ollie Sleightholme, all expertly converted by Fin Smith. However, Italy responded valiantly with tries from Ange Capuozzo and Ross Vintcent, as well as a penalty and two conversions from Paolo Garbisi, keeping the match tightly contested.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Marcus Smith, who had come on as a replacement for the injured Ollie Lawrence, and Tom Curry scored back-to-back tries. This rapid scoring effectively deflated Italy’s hopes and left them struggling to mount a comeback, sealing England’s victory and bolstering their confidence as they look ahead to the final match of the tournament.
