In a tightly fought Six Nations opener, England edged past Italy with a 27-24 victory in Rome. England's new captain Jamie George aimed to introduce a 'Bazball rugby' style, leading to a different intensity of play. Italy, who have previously led at halftime against England in 2012 and 2017, were ahead 17-14 at the break. England's Alex Mitchell scored a crucial try, securing England's first lead. Italy's Tommy Allan set a national record with his 8th try and 165 points in Six Nations history. Despite Italy's valiant effort and highest-ever points against England, they could not clinch a win.
What Steve Borthwick said to his England players when they were down at half-time in Rome on Saturday. #ITAvENG #GuinnessM6N #EnglandRugby https://t.co/wfOgI3HaLX
Jamie George is convinced England can win the @SixNationsRugby but accepts they must learn fast after edging Italy 27-24 in Rome https://t.co/Pyv6h0EsiF
"They are going to be wearing an England shirt for a long time..." - The Steve Borthwick verdict on the 5️⃣ England Test debutants who featured against Italy in Rome. #ITAvENG #GuinnessM6N #EnglandRugby https://t.co/aJ9TR4dCg4
"Yeah, absolutely..." - England only beat Italy by three points, but new skipper Jamie George is still backing them to be title challengers despite the impressive form shown by champions Ireland in their big win over France. #ITAvENG #GuinnessM6N #EnglandRugby https://t.co/Z07Zz8ROu6
The Steve Borthwick hot take after seeing his England team secure a 27-24 win over Italy in the opening round of the Guinness Six Nations. #ITAvENG #GuinnessM6N #EnglandRugby https://t.co/LoQdCyooRZ
Match Centre: Six Nations: Italy 24-27 England https://t.co/tw0Nk56j8X
"Very pleased with the result and very pleased with the players..." - The Steve Borthwick reaction to England pipping Italy from Liam Heagney in Rome 👨💻 #ITAvENG #GuinnessM6N #EnglandRugby Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/RvhkC1QhFH
🗣️ "Italy produced one of their best displays against England as they pushed Steve Borthwick's men all the way." 🇮🇹🏴 Five takeaways as Red Rose rookies shine in one of Azzurri’s best #GuinnessM6N performances. #ITAvENG ✍️ @jameswhile https://t.co/YPy3K39KJz
"Winning start. Five debutants. The ability to find a way to win. That's a big positive." Steve Borthwick speaking after England's win in Rome on the opening weekend of the Six Nations. #ITAvENG | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/dLnNLbEqiQ
🗣️ "Italy produced one of their best displays against England as they pushed Steve Borthwick's men all the way." 🇮🇹🏴 Five takeaways as Red Rose rookies shine in one of Azzurri’s best #GuinnessSixNations performances. ✍️ @jameswhile https://t.co/YPy3K39KJz
England overcome Italy scare as Alex Mitchell pounces to earn winning start https://t.co/FsmJRzU0Ln
England avoid unwanted record to claim comeback victory against Italy in Six Nations opener https://t.co/Lb6Ky7ZrDO
💬 "It looked like a team that had only had three training sessions together!" Steve Borthwick admits there's a lot to work on despite the win, but insists England will improve week-on-week. #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/geVeDDNfmT
💬 "The blueprint we played with in the second half showed much more of what we're all about." Jamie George speaks to @topsy_ojo after England's hard-fought win against Italy 💪 #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/RIjB4jEt5P
This was very nice attacking shape from England. Loads of options, Ford, Slade and Steward all challenging the defence before passing, love how deep England's runners are out wide to take the ball at pace. A great team try. #ITAvENG https://t.co/glaso98uAS
Set piece needs to be better but encouragement for Italy from that performance. England had some v. nice shape in attack during the 1st half too but understandably went more to the boot 2nd half as it was working. A deserved win for England, with plenty of new caps. #ITAvENG
England avoid humiliating Italy loss in opening match as Six Nations whipping boys miss out on history https://t.co/NACUMfGznw
Italy very competitive, and outscore England on tries. Hopefully they'll keep this up throughout the competition. England have a lot they can work on, but some promising signs. Roots looks the part!
I̶t̶a̶l̶y̶ 0̶ p̶o̶i̶n̶t̶s̶ i̶n̶ 2̶n̶d̶ h̶a̶l̶f̶ i̶n̶ 3̶ c̶o̶n̶s̶e̶c̶u̶t̶i̶v̶e̶ h̶o̶m̶e̶ 6̶N̶ g̶a̶m̶e̶s̶ v̶ E̶n̶g̶l̶a̶n̶d̶
England survive an almighty scare as Italy fall just short of a historic win https://t.co/tz8OzGKuzb
Italy get very late try to claim bonus point as @EnglandRugby win 27-24 with Italy recording highest points they have ever scored against the English
Italy worthy of a LBP there. They’ve outscored England in terms of tries. Sensing a tight old @SixNationsRugby Championship this year. FT: Ita 24 Eng 27
FT: Italy 24 England 27 Steve Borthwick's team overcome Italy scare in Rome #TelegraphRugby | #SixNationsRugby
After trailing for much of the game, England are on top 👊 Can they ensure an opening weekend victory is theirs? #ITAvENG #BBCRugby #SixNations https://t.co/rOdsEPtXoT
Despite that first half, England’s defence has looked very good today. Lots of intensity with the blitz from the midfield. Forced at least three errors from Italy today.
Perfect start to the second half for England as Alex Mitchell puts them in the lead! #ITAvENG | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/7ilakRGXvo
🎤 "Full-on determination from Alex Mitchell!" England have their first lead of the game as Mitchell scrambles his way over the line 💪 #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/PxYLMCPUZ1
Italy defence lets Alex Mitchell wriggle through to give @EnglandRugby lead 21-17
MITCHELL!!! Such an attacking threat. Freeman also playing incredibly well. England take the lead for the first time. 🇮🇹 17-21 🏴 45’
Fantastic hands from Italy to get around the England defence for the try. The timing of Brex's pass pack to Garbisi on the loop is perfection. #ITAvENG https://t.co/zOLdslz3eH
Tommy Allan becomes Italy's top try scorer (8) and point scorer in #GuinnessM6N history (165*) 🇮🇹🏉 @Allan_Tommy | @Federugby https://t.co/VY2cIOqEns
Italy cut loose against England in first half in Rome See the scores here https://t.co/kIMvwILlJa
👀 HT: Italy 17 England 14 Work to be done for Steve Borthwick's team in the second half #TelegraphRugby | #SixNationsRugby
3rd time Italy have led at HT v England - by 6 in 2012, 5 in 2017, 3 today
Italy fronting up well. Pinging England back with a strong kicking game and some brutal tackles. Look a much better side than in previous years, hopefully the same in second 40.
17-14 with England coming back into the game but Italy deserve their lead https://t.co/xVGV28zTbu
Upset on the cards in Rome? 👀 Italy lead England 17-14 at HT #ITAvENG https://t.co/HdnZuNYF6S
Italy lead 17-14 at half-time in Rome. 🇮🇹 Alessandro Garbisi & Tommaso Allan got on the scoresheet for Italy with Elliot Daly going over for England. Eddie Jones, the ex-coach observes from the stands. Thoughts on the first-half? #ITAvENG #SixNations https://t.co/bYsoOgg0UG
England clearly showing more ambition here. George Ford has been really good. Italy just brilliant so far. How they come out after half time will be massive!
Brilliant start to this match. Someone will be telling England to no longer exit and keep their kicks in field. Italy are killing them off that, England are killing Italy at the lineout
Superb Tommy Allan try for @Federugby as Felix Jones defence is busted out wide by loop around. Italy lead 17-8
England captain Jamie George talked pre-match about playing ‘Bazball rugby.’ Lo and behold, Italy have just hit them for six. @Federugby
🎤 "You're going to see a different England team in the way that we play and the intensity that we play at." Newly-appointed captain, Jamie George, speaks to @topsy_ojo on how he wants to shape the new England era... #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/ks3wue4E3l
England in last 5 away games v Italy in Six Nations 1st half 83-30 2nd half 122-10