After their defeat in Scotland, the English dominated Italy, Sunday February 12 in Twickenham (31-14), for their second match in the Six Nations Tournament.
By Valentin Moinard
It will undoubtedly be more necessary to convince the public of Twickenham that Steve Barthwick is the person capable of saving the English ship. But the former second line – promoted to coach of the XV of the Rose in December 2022 – can already be satisfied with a first victory at the head of Anglettere. His team won against Italy (31-14), Sunday February 12, partially erasing the defeat suffered at home last weekend against Scotland.
Far from deploying the intensity of the Irish in the face of the Blues the day before, or the precision of the Scottish against the Wales, the English gave it to a much more restrictive game to prevail, offensive bonus key. A result that has become a habit against Transalpins: since the arrival of Italy in the Six Nations tournament in 2000, England has always imposed itself during their confrontations in this competition.
To extend this series, the English have greatly bet on their forwards. They are the ones who were decisive out of four of the five English trials, starting with that of the Toulousain Jack Willis from 13 e minute. The first player of the Top 14 to be selected with England since 2012, the third line was released at the right time of a ball worn to flatten in the in-goal. A few minutes later, he was imitated in force by the second line Ollie Chessum (28
Owen Farrell not inspired
Even if they were largely ahead of the score, the English did not reassure, like their Owen Farrell opener, inspired neither in the game nor facing the poles (two transformations failed on five) this Sunday.
They could even consider themselves happy to come across Italians much less in legs than last week against France, despite some beautiful rides ball in the hand of Angel Capuozzo, and two trials having a time makes one believe in a Possible reaction (Marco Riccioni at 44
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But far too unruly (fourteen conceded penalties, and two yellow cards), the Italians finally fell in love with the end of the match on a last test by the winger Henry Arundell (70