Italy 24-27 EnglandHosts have half-time lead but Mitchell’s try proves vital
For the first time in five attempts since 2019 England have managed to win their opening Six Nations fixture. It did not come without the odd ripple of early alarm, particularly when Italy established a 17-8 lead in the first half, but tries from Elliot Daly and Alex Mitchell plus 17 points from George Ford’s boot ultimately kickstarted what Steve Borthwick’s squad are hoping will be a more productive campaign.
No one would remotely describe the visitors’ performance as perfect, as the new captain, Jamie George, had warned in advance. But squinting into the bright sun on a glorious Roman afternoon it was possible to see the beginnings of a team no longer as afraid of its own attacking shadow.