Ellis Genge's notable absence didn't deter England as they dominated the second half to rally from behind and kickstart their Six Nations campaign with a triumph in Italy.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
A pivotal moment came with Alex Mitchell's try after the break, flipping the scoreline in England's favor, followed by George Ford's precise kicking that extended their lead.
Despite the Azzurri threatening a historic win over England, with Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan scoring around Elliot Daly's finish for the visitors, England ultimately secured victory in Rome.
Monty Ioane managed a late consolation for Italy, earning them a losing bonus point in their narrowest defeat against England. While Steve Borthwick's squad didn't showcase their best form, the win places them second in the table and breaks a streak of four Six Nations opening-game defeats.
The absence of England's vice-captain Genge sparked significant discussion, as he was initially expected to be on the bench for today's match.
England said in statement before the game: "Prop Ellis Genge has been ruled out with a foot injury and is replaced on the bench by Beno Obano.
England player stats vs Italy:
- 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
14. Tommy Freeman - 8
13. Henry Slade - 6.5
12. Fraser Dingwall - 7
11. Elliot Daly - 7
10. George Ford – vice captain - 7.5
9. Alex Mitchell - 7
1. Joe Marler - 7
2. Jamie George – captain - 7
3. Will Stuart - 6
4. Maro Itoje – vice captain - 6.5
5. Ollie Chessum - 7
6. Ethan Roots - 8
7. Sam Underhill - 6.5
8. Ben Earl - 7
Replacements
16. Theo Dan - 5.5
17. Beno Obano – 5.5
18. Dan Cole - 6
19. Alex Coles - 6
20. Chandler Cunningham-South - 7.5
21. Danny Care - 6
22. Fin Smith - 6.5
23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso - N/a
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Win a dream trip worth £3,000 to mark the anticipated Guinness Six Nations tournament
- Win a limited edition mini power bank
- Secure your seat to avoid the scrum for the 2024 Six Nations
- Book your 2024 Six Nations travel with Omio today
- Join RUCK’s Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community
QUIZ: Can You Name Every England Six Nations Captain (2000 – 2024)
The Six Nations are back this weekend, and England begin their competition with an away trip to Italy. Head coach Steve Borthwick has selected a new captain for the tournament, can you name him, and 19 other players that have lead the team since the year 2000?
You have five minutes, and your time starts now!
