Jonathan Joseph (R) of England celebrates scoring his second try with Luther Burrell during the RBS Six Nations match between England and Italy. Photo / Getty Images
Jonathan Joseph (R) of England celebrates scoring his second try with Luther Burrell during the RBS Six Nations match between England and Italy. Photo / Getty Images
A convincing win for England, with six tries scored including two for the in-form Bath centre Jonathan Joseph to keep them on course for a first Grand Slam since 2003.
An Italian team ranked 14th in the world and well beaten by Ireland in Rome eight days ago landed someblows in the shape of three well constructed tries, providing food for thought for England as they prepare for Dublin, with Scotland and France back at Twickenham to complete the Championship next month. On the upside, England were formidable in the set-piece scrum and line-out, while captain Chris Robshaw topped the tackle count - no surprise there.
Italy were ahead for most of the first quarter, thanks to a try in the fourth minute by their totemic captain Sergio Parisse. England soon nudged into a lead they wouldn't relinquish, with a penalty by George Ford after 19 minutes. Ford's 46th-minute penalty was followed by a lovely try for Italy as Morisi sniped past Dave Attwood and Anthony Watson's last-ditch ankle-tap after Sarto's deft chip and catch.
The fifth and sixth England tries went to two men we weren't sure we'd see again on this hallowed stage. Danny Cipriani replaced Ford for his first test action here since 2008 and quickly converted his own try. Then Nick Easter rounded off a driving maul to become England's oldest try scorer at 36 years and six months.
