Steve Borthwick’s men signed an improved success (31-14) against Squadra Azzurra on Sunday.
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The illusion was temporary, the show of force was total at Twickenham on Sunday February 12. England crushed the XV of Italy (31-14) on the second day of the Six Nations Tournament and recovered perfectly after their initial defeat against Scotland.
Kieran Crowley’s men, however, started as they had against France a week earlier: possession play, inspirations from Tommaso Allan and the legs of Ange Capuozzo… The Italians multiplied the times of play in the first minutes, but without scoring points.
The power of indiscipline
And then the English steamroller started. Established for this purpose, Jack Willis was in all the right moves. Insatiable tackler (14 successful after thirty minutes, 20 in total), he was also the author of the first try after a ball carried (13th) which was the trademark of the men of the Rose throughout long afternoon.
The second victim of this regular grinding is Michele Lamaro. The best tackler of the Tournament in 2022 and captain of Italy had to give up his place after a shock with Mauro Itoje (24th).
Before indiscipline comes to weigh down the Italians a little more. So good students usually, Kieran Crowley’s proteges were sanctioned a total of 14 times and two yellow cards were even drawn by referee James Doleman, one per period. It did not take as much for English drafts in the game but too powerful to register three tries in the first period and fly away.
England still recovering
There was indeed a semblance of rebellion in the second half, just enough to plant two more tries and point to England’s defensive largesse, definitely far from its usual level. Two balls worn in the second half were however enough for the XV de la Rose to win with improved success.
Even against Welsh struggling and beaten in their first two games, Steve Worthwick’s men will have to show a completely different face in two weeks. For Italy, it will be against the Irish, the best team on the planet today.
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