England avoided the biggest upset in RBS 6 Nations history by beating Italy 36-15 at Twickenham for a 17th successive Test win.
Italy led 10-5 at half-time – for only the second time against England – but tries from Danny Care and Elliot Daly turned the momentum in the hosts’ favour.
Michele Campagnaro scored to make it 17-15 with 19 minutes to go, but two Jack Nowell scores and one from Ben Te’o saw England finish with six tries in a scarcely-deserved bonus-point victory.
TWEET OF THE MATCH
Former Australia back Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) was intrigued by head coach Eddie Jones’ reaction to England’s first-half display.
STAR MAN
Joe Launchbury. Amid the mediocrity, another bulldozing display from the Wasps lock further boosted his Lions hopes.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Italy’s scrum crumpled under England pressure and Care took a quick tap-penalty before scampering into the corner, turning the momentum in England’s favour four minutes into the second half. Moments later Daly went over for England’s third of six tries.
