5 Feb 2018

England kick off Six Nations with easy win

7:15 am on 5 February 2018

England scored seven tries on the way to an emphatic 46-15 win against Italy as they began the defence of their Six Nations title in style.

Winger Anthony Watson got England off to a flying start with two early tries and number eight Sam Simmonds also bagged two. Owen Farrell, George Ford and Jack Nowell added one apiece and Farrell kicked four conversions and a penalty.

Despite the scoreline, Italy, who took the wooden spoon in the last two years, were refreshingly positive and replied with two tries of their own from Tommaso Benvenuti and Mattia Bellini with Tommaso Allan kicking a conversion and penalty.

England lost halfback Ben Youngs in the first half when he suffered a knee injury.

England halfback Ben Youngs

England halfback Ben Youngs Photo: Photosport

-Reuters