England dominated Italy without trembling (31-14) at the end of the second day of the Six Nations Tournament on Sunday.
Uninspired in the current game, the XV of the Rose relied on its pack to pocket the offensive bonus, five tries to two, and thus win its first victory.
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A result far from expected by the various English observers before the meeting, who saw a match hanging.
The Italians, in fact, showed good intentions with the ball in hand and put the locals on the back foot during the first half hour.
Apathetic, the men of Ian Borthwick relied on their package before and in particular Willis, omnipresent for his return with the jersey struck by the Rose.
The Toulousain scored the first try after a school ball (12th).
The Azzuris replied, posting almost 64% possession at the half-hour mark, without however finding an opening.
Largely dominating in conquest, the vice-world champions relied on the balls carried to cause the logical yellow card of Canonne (28th), then widen a decisive gap with three tries in the same register.
The first via Chessum (28th) after a series of pick and go, the second on a carried ball concluded by George (37th), and the third via a penalty try for yet another maul collapsed near the goal line Italian (48th).
Prohibitive power deficit
The Azzuris, despite this obvious power deficit, gave themselves the right to hope thanks to a try from Riccioni after returning from the locker room, thus rewarding a sequence with several dozen playing times (44th).
Back at 15 against 15, they took advantage of an acceleration from Menoncello and a finish from Fusco shortly after the hour mark (63rd).
After several disjointed actions, it was finally Arundell who concluded a good job from Mitchell (70th) and put an end to all suspense.
For Italy, the next meeting promises to be tough with the reception of Ireland (Saturday February 25, 3:15 p.m.), now huge favorite to win the Tournament after its victory on Saturday against the XV of France.
England will travel to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (5:45 p.m.) to confirm this first success.
