England beat Italy to give Borthwick first win as coach

Steve Borthwick

TWICKENHAM, AFP: England won their first match under Coach Steve Borthwick as they overpowered Italy up front in a 31-14 Six Nations success at Twickenham on Sunday.

Italy’s pack were unable to cope with England’s driving maul from close-range line-outs, while recalled centre Ollie Lawrence repeatedly made inroads into the Azzurri defence.

Borthwick’s reign had started with a 29-23 loss at home to Scotland last weekend in the first round of the tournament.

But on Sunday his side surged into a commanding 19-0 lead at half-time after tries by forwards Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum and Jamie George.

Italy, fresh from a creditable 29-24 defeat by reigning Six Nations champions France in Rome, arrived in London with genuine hope of a first win over England.

But instead they suffered a 30th defeat in as many matches between the two countries.