England 47-17 Italy
ENGLAND WERE EXPECTED to coast at home to Italy and while they eventually ran out 30-point winners the visitors put it up to Stuart Lancaster’s side for long periods.
England were 29-point favourites before kick-off but Italy captain Sergio Parisse surprised everyone when he put the visitors ahead after throwing a dummy and powering over the line.
Later in the half Mike Brown was knocked out in a collision with Andrea Masi and left the field on a stretcher.
Italy were threatening with the ball in hand early on but as the half wore on England grew more dominant and got on the board after a George Ford penalty.
They then had their first try after big number eight Billy Vunipola drove over in the corner and their second five-pointer arrived moments later after a searing break by Jonathan Joseph.
Kelly Haimona had two good chances to reduce the gap but the Italian out-half kicked badly on both occasions to leave the visitors trailing by ten at the break.
It looked like Italy might launch a comeback after this excellent try from Luca Morisi but England turned on the power thereafter.
First, Ben Youngs darted over after a quick tap penalty five yards from the Italy line and then Jonathan Joseph cantered in for his second try.
Danny Cipriani replaced George Ford and was only on the field for a few seconds before he gratefully received an offload from Jonny May to cross untouched.
Another replacement then got on the score-sheet as Nick Easter rumbled over from the back of a maul before Morisi added a consolation score for Italy.
