Check out the England player ratings vs Italy as they came from behind to win in theiropening game of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations in Rome.
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Scroll down for the full England player ratings vs Italy.
In a thrilling second-half turnaround, Alex Mitchell’s attempt after the break flipped the script, propelling England ahead after a tight early deficit. George Ford’s precise kicking then extended England’s lead.
The Italian squad, the Azzurri, had raised hopes of securing their first-ever victory against England, with Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan finding the net on either side of an Elliot Daly finish for the visiting team.
Despite the spirited effort, Monty Ioane managed to notch a late consolation goal, securing the hosts a valuable losing bonus point.
Italy 17
- Tries: Alessandro Garbisi (10′), Tommaso Allan (25′), Monty Ioane (80′)
- Cons: Tommaso Allan (04′)
- Pens: Tommaso Allan (12′, 26′)
England 27
- Tries: Elliot Daly (19′), Alex Mitchell (44′)
- Cons: George Ford (15′, 32′, 37′, 53′,67′)
- Pens: George Ford(45′)
RUCK’s Man Of The Match:
England player stats:
- Tackles: Jamie George – 10
- Tackles missed: Ollie Chessum – 3
- Carries: Ben Earl – 14
- Metres: Tommy Freeman – 70
- Defenders beaten: Tommy Freeman – 4
- Turnovers Tommy Freeman – 1
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England player ratings vs Italy:
15. Freddie Steward – 6.5
Solid under the high ball, yet did not set the Stadio Olimpico alight with his regular darting runs. A confident performance from the Leicester Tigers man.
14. Tommy Freeman – 8
Outstanding on his return to the England squad. Offered the most exciting options in attack, and was narrowly denied a try by the bounce of the ball. Freeman has a bright future, and he maximised his opportunity against Italy.
13. Henry Slade – 6.5
A good return to the England squad for the centre, after missing the grade for the Rugby World Cup. A first-time partnership with Fraser Dingwall caused teething problems, and the centre channel was not the strongest defensive structure on the pitch. Solid ball distribution, as he pushes for future caps.
12. Fraser Dingwall – 6.5
Had the final minute of play not taken place, then Dingwall could have notched up a 7/10. However, the fatigued had set in as he was brushed aside by Monty Ioane, as the Italian wing ran in to score. A strong run-out none the less, and offered a powerful crash ball option on the front foot.
11. Elliot Daly – 6.75
After Daly’s selection received a mixed reception by England fans, the Saracen followed this up by providing just that – a real mixed bag. Starred in the try yet all credit to Tommy Freeman, Daly was a danger out on the left wing. A bizarre decision to trip up Menoncello and get sent to the sin bin.
10. George Ford – vice captain – 7.5
Leading from the front once again, this George Ford performance had a feel of the World Cup opener against Argentina about it. After a chaotic first 20 minutes of Italian attack, Ford calmed his troops and ticked the scoreboard over to regain control of the match. Departed for Fin Smith having established a foothold in the match.