Review: Italy 9-40 England

February 14, 2016
1563
Ultimate Rugby

England eased to victory in Rome to keep their pursuit of the Grandslam on track.

It was a gritty first half, where both sides exchanged 2 penalties each in the opening 20. The Italians deservedly still in the game but a nice move out wide from England saw George Ford score in the corner to put England 5 clear.

Carlo Canna added a penalty for Italy towards the end of the half and England went in 11-9 ahead at the break.

England failed to get going in the opening 10 minutes of the half but with the Italians starting to tire, Jonathan Joesph picked up on a loopy pass from Sarto and had a clear run under the posts to score.

England's tails were up and Joesph got his second after a lovely chip through from Danny Care dissected the Italy defence and bounced up perfectly for the centre to collect and score.

Joesph rounded off his performance with a powerful effort as he drove his way to the line to claim a 17 minute hat-trick.

With the Italians out on their feet, Owen Farrell finished off a lovely team try as some slick hands from George Ford and Jamie George put the Saracens man under the posts.

Job done for Eddie Jones' side who's 2nd half performance was very professional and clinical. The Italian's still on the hunt for a win over England.