Peerless performance: Ollie Lawrence shone in England’s midfield against Italy on Sunday
(Picture: Getty Images)England got their first win under Steve Borthwick in the Six Nations on Sunday.
Italy were brushed aside 31-14 at Twickenham as the dominant hosts notched five tries to bounce back from their agonising Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland in round one.
England dominated up front all afternoon and got a penalty try to go along with scores from Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and home debutant Henry Arundell.
Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal was at Twickenham to rate the England players...
Backs
Freddie Steward 7
Solid enough at the back without ever having the chance to cut loose.
Max Malins 7
Denied an assist through a stunning dummy after infringement elsewhere, but was composed throughout.
Henry Slade 8
The Exeter centre just oozes confidence and offers comfort to any backline with his ability to man the playmaking tiller.
Ollie Lawrence 9
A blockbusting showing from the Bath centre who has proved himself the man in the middle for the 12 shirt for England.
Ollie Hassell-Collins 6
Struggled to impose himself and has yet to show what he can do at Test level.
Owen Farrell (c) 7
Back in his rightful and most comfortable position and even if somewhat within himself, this was a fine showing.
Jack van Poortvliet 7
Keeps England ticking over and is definitely the man to capitalise on the side’s new-found quick ball.
Forwards
Ellis Genge 8
Another big showing from the vice-captain who squeezed Italy in all the most painful places.
Jamie George 8
Capped a smart showing with a try as England dominated up front.
Kyle Sinckler 8
Big scrummaging effort from Bristol’s ex-Harlequins tighthead.
Maro Itoje 7
Still not quite at his own best, but that admittedly is a ridiculously high ceiling.
Ollie Chessum 8
The tighthead lock England have craved for years. The Lincolnshire lad has a major Test future ahead.
Lewis Ludlam 8
Relentless showing from the Northampton man who is growing back into the blindside role.
Jack Willis 9
A peerless display of openside flank power, and England’s No 7 for some time to come.
Alex Dombrandt 7
Still looks slightly short of full zip, but some nice touches.
Replacements
Jack Walker (for George, 73’) 7
Kept things tidy in a short cameo for his Test debut.
Mako Vunipola (for Genge, 54’) 7
Put himself about and clung on through a wobbly stint in the second half.
Dan Cole (for Sinckler, 49’) 7
Kept up the scrum power but looked slightly leggy around the field.
Nick Isiekwe (for Dombrandt, 65’) 7
Solid enough effort at the death.
Ben Earl (for Willis, 52’) 7
Showed up well but still has not been able to transfer Saracens form to the England side.
Alex Mitchell (for Van Poortvliet, 59’) 8
A good cameo from the Northampton scrum-half.
Marcus Smith (for Slade, 72) 7
Saw the game out well for England.
Henry Arundell (for Hassell-Collins, 54’) 8
Took his try with total calm amid an effortless finish.
