England player ratings vs Italy: Steve Borthwick’s side secured a crucial bonus-point victory at the Allianz Stadium to stay in the Six Nations title race.
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ngland are now primed to pounce on any slip-up from Six Nations leaders France, following a commanding seven-try demolition of Italy at Allianz Stadium, which catapulted them into second place in the standings.
Wing Ollie Sleightholme was the star of the show, bagging two tries, but Italy made life difficult early on, keeping the score tight at half-time with two stunning tries of their own.
However, England quickly flexed their muscles in the second half with two quick-fire tries from Marcus Smith and Tom Curry, breaking the Italian resolve and allowing England to finish the game comfortably—a welcome change after a series of dramatic home encounters.
Despite a dazzling angled run from Tommaso Menoncello, Italy were unable to turn the tide with Ben Earl powering over in the final play to cap off a stellar performance for the hosts.
Scroll down for England player ratings vs Italy.
ENGLAND: 47
- Tries: Tom Willis (03'), Tommy Freeman (26'), Ollie Sleightholme (34', 52'), Marcus Smith (43'), Tom Curry (46'), Ben Earl (80')
- Pens:
- Cons: Fin Smith (03', 27', 35', 44', 47', 52')
ITALY: 24
- Tries: Ange Capuozzo (13'), Ross Vintcent (30'), Tommaso Menoncello (70')
- Pens: Paolo Garbisi (37')
- Cons: Paolo Garbisi (14', 31', 71')
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS VS ITALY:
1. Ellis Genge 6
Genge started off his day with a full head of steam, charging onto short and sharp carries. He set a solid scrummaging foundation alongside Jamie George and Will Stuart, while also making low chop tackles. Genge’s temper flared after being tackled off the ball at the 37th minute, with the Allianz faithful getting an earful of his Bristolian accent.
2. Jamie George 7
The centurion had strong tackles early on and rose to the occasion on his 100th Test. George steered the ship with great line-out accuracy and scrummaging success. He received a resounding ovation when replaced and played a neat offload to set up Sleightholme for England's Pacific Island-style score.
3. Will Stuart 6.5
Stuart made an early hit on Ange Capuozzo and set a solid foundation for England's maul dominance. Though not in the spotlight as the backs took centre stage, he made a nice side-step leading to Marcus Smith's try.
4. Maro Itoje 8
Itoje was ever-present as England’s on-point line-out marksman. He had a penalty conceded in the 22nd minute but played a key role in directing Fin Smith to kick for the corner. Itoje’s drive was held up after the rolling maul, but he played a lovely offload in the build-up to Sleightholme’s second try.
5. Ollie Chessum 8.5
Chessum called the defensive line-speed and showed excellent defensive acumen, making repeated appearances in the contact area. He ran the lead in an awesome trick play that led to Itoje’s held-up effort at the 25th minute. In the second half, he stole a line-out and broke away downfield, earning Player of the Match for his exhaustive effort.
6. Tom Curry 7.5
The ever-present tackler, Curry doubled up on defensive efforts. He scored from close range early in the second half after his twin, Ben, was stopped just short. Despite receiving medical attention, Curry muscled on when Ben Earl was withdrawn and was involved in England’s brilliant Baa-Baas-style score.
7. Ben Earl 7
Earl was pinged for not releasing at the ruck in the 2nd minute despite protests about Italian defenders being off their feet. He fumbled the ball from the back of the line-out after Chessum’s steal but rallied back with tremendous work off the ball, making several big hits. He limped off at the 50th minute, not having his best match by his usual high standards.
The back row finished off England's afternoon with a well taken try at the death.
8. Tom Willis 7
Willis scored England’s first try with a nice carry from close range and extended his arm to ground the ball. He also started the move after a hit on the Italian nine caused a turnover. Would have been nice to see him on the field longer after such a hot start.
9. Alex Mitchell 7
Mitchell made it difficult for the Italians to keep up with the speed of his distribution. He won a penalty in a back-and-forth over the ball at the 17th minute and swept well in defense as Italy broke through against tired legs. He was replaced by JVP at the 63rd minute.
10. Fin Smith 8
Smith’s game management was astute, making tackles and digging in at the breakdown. He was frequently double-teamed as England’s identified danger man. He nailed a brilliant clearance kick at the 19th minute and followed it up with excellent work in the 23rd minute.
11. Ollie Sleightholme 8.5
Sleightholme excelled in aerial work, claiming a high ball at 11 minutes. He added his name to the score-sheet with a searing run along the left wing for a stunning try. He also finished off England’s wonderful team try, showcasing multiple offloads and Fijian-style handing.
12. Fraser Dingwall 7
Dingwall made a lovely nudge to send England down into the Italian 5m. He showed off quick hands in the build-up to Sleightholme’s try but had a miscommunication with Fin Smith, tripping over him.
13. Ollie Lawrence 5
Lawrence made some strong carries early on and shipped a nice offload in contact. He went down untouched in the attacking line and was unfortunately forced off the field with an injury, possibly ending his Six Nations campaign.
14. Tommy Freeman 7.5
Freeman made an early pass that hit the deck but later gathered Elliot Daly’s grubber kick and muscled through Paolo Garbisi to score England’s second try.
15. Elliot Daly 7.5
Daly recovered well from an early wayward pass and had strong carries cutting through the backfield. He made a great kick through the backfield, which popped perfectly for Freeman to gather for a try.
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie 6
Cowan-Dickie replaced George and was penalized for playing scrum-half at the ruck, which allowed Italy a favorable field position. The referee also had words with the front row about how they packed down.
17. Fin Baxter 5
Baxter came on at the 59th minute but received a talking-to from the referee, who was unhappy with how the scrum was packed down. He gave away a penalty at the 72nd minute for going off his feet in contact.
18. Joe Heyes 5.5
Heyes came on for Stuart at the 59th minute and, like Baxter, had some harsh words from the referee about the scrum. He missed a tackle on Manuel Zuliani but turned things around by overpowering Spagnolo in the scrum.
19. Ted Hill 6.5
Hill came on for a battered Tom Curry at the 56th minute and immediately flew out the line, showcasing great line-speed. He made a notable impact despite being on only his fourth England cap.
20. Chandler Cunningham-South 7.5
Cunningham-South came on for Earl at the 50th minute and was immediately involved with a perfectly timed hit off a box kick. He also made great carries, including a stand-out break at the 69th minute.
21. Ben Curry 7
Curry made a massive carry early in the second half, halted just inches from the try-line. His twin Tom scored from close range, benefiting from Ben’s efforts.
22. Jack van Poortvleit 6
Van Poortvleit came on after the hour mark and executed some well-executed box kicks. He didn’t light up the match, however, and did not threaten Mitchell’s starting spot.
23. Marcus Smith 7.5
Smith came on for the injured Lawrence at the 8th minute. He struggled in the aerial battle against Ioane and was targeted by the Italians. However, he made up for it with a stunning solo try, dancing around Capuozzo and outpacing Ioane to the try-line.
Sold the dummy by Ross Vintcent, as the Italy back row raced away to score his side's second try. Shipped a long missed pass out wide to Sleightholme, in the build up to England's third try.
Scored a stunning solo try, as Smith danced his way around Capuozzo and outpaced Ioane to the try-line.
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