England recovered from a scrappy beginning, overcoming a 17-8 deficit and defensive disarray to secure a 27-24 victory over Italy in their opening Six Nations game in Rome on Saturday. This win marked the end of a streak of four consecutive opening-round defeats in the championship.
Italy held a 17-14 lead at halftime, and despite a late try earning them a losing bonus point, it was still their most competitive Six Nations performance against England, the only team they have never beaten in the competition.
England took a considerable amount of time to find their rhythm, and concerns arose over defensive lapses. However, coach Steve Borthwick will likely be pleased with the performances of five debutants, particularly the man of the match, back-rower Ethan Roots.
The revamped England squad featured only 12 of the 23 players who were part of the World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa. From the outset, they appeared disorganized, especially in defense.
On the other hand, Italy, under new coach Gonzalo Quesada, who promised a more pragmatic approach after their disappointing World Cup, displayed cohesion and sharpness from the beginning.
Tommaso Allan secured an early lead with a penalty, and Lorenzo Cannone's pass, though contested by England for being forward, set up Alessandro Garbisi for the opening try. England retaliated when the dynamic Tommy Freeman, showcasing the powerful running that led to his international recall, broke through and assisted Elliot Daly in scoring.
Italy promptly responded as England's defense found itself in a chaotic mix-up, allowing Allan the space to sprint under the posts.
Two George Ford penalties narrowed the deficit to 17-14 at halftime, somewhat flattering for England.
The odds-on favourites finally moved ahead five minutes into the second half when scrumhalf Alex Mitchell displayed great determination to wriggle through two tackles and touched down.
Another Ford penalty extended the lead as Italy struggled to gain any sort of foothold in the face of aggressive England blitz defense.
England introduced two more debutants in flyhalf Fin Smith and flanker Chandler Cunningham-South. When winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored, it marked the most since Stuart Lancaster’s first game in charge in the opening match of the 2012 Six Nations - when Owen Farrell won his first cap.
England earned an 80th-minute penalty that they could have slotted over for a 30-17 victory, but they opted for a scrum and were penalised. This allowed Italy to kick for a lineout, sending Monty Ioane clear down the wing through a few soft tackles to secure Italy's bonus point.
England host Wales next Saturday and Italy face the daunting prospect of a trip to Dublin on Sunday to face championship favourites Ireland, who beat France 38-17 in Paris on Friday
