England defeat Italy in Newcastle
England’s final fixture before the Rugby World Cup ended with a 37-0 victory over Italy in Newcastle.
It saw them end with three wins and a defeat from their pre-World Cup fixtures with Eddie Jones’ side crossing four times at St James' Park in a comfortable victory.
England led 9-0 at the break through three Owen Farrell conversions in a half dominated by defence.
Second-half scores from Ben Youngs, Joe Marchant, Ellis Genge and Anthony Watson sealed victory.
DEFENSIVE POWER
With attack being such a feature of England’s three previous fixtures it was defence that came to the fore against Italy in a tight first-half.
England’s superior tackle count of 88-63 in the first period epitomised the defensive effort with a period of Italy pressure lasting 23 phases seeing the home side, led by Mark Wilson and Tom Curry, keep out the Azzurri.
Wilson in particular was having an all-action half with five carries, 18 tackles and 39 metres made as England kept Italy at bay.
That shut out lasted for the entirety of the match, while at the other end despite the best efforts of the energetic Jonny May, England were reduced to kicking three penalties for a nine-point half-time lead.
MAGIC MARCHANT
Led by Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge, who were both early replacements in the game, England were reinvigorated after the break and after both props got England to five metres, Youngs sniped over for the first try.
Marchant lit up St James’ Park with a try on his first international start, jinking through the Italy defence to cross for a first England score.
With centre duo Henry Slade and Jonathan Joseph currently out injured, but not doubts for the Rugby World Cup, Marchant has shown his ability to cover if called upon during the tournament.
Genge charged over off the back of a driving maul for a first international try while Watson crossed on the left wing with 10 minutes left which Farrell converted for the final points of the game.
WHAT'S NEXT?
England fly to Japan on Sunday ahead of the Rugby World Cup with their first fixture against Tonga on 22 September.
SCORERS
England – Tries: Youngs, Marchant, Genge, Watson Cons: Farrell 4 Pens: Farrell 4
TEAMS
England: Anthony Watson; Ruaridh McConnochie, Joe Marchant, Piers Francis, Jonny May’ Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Mark Wilson, Billy Vunipola.
Finishers: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie Ewels, Matt Kvesic, Willi Heinz, George Ford, Joe Cokanasiga.
Italy: Jayden Hayward, Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Tommaso Benvenuti, Edoardo Padovani, Carlo Canna, Callum Braley; Nicola Quaglio, Oliviero Fabiani, Simone Ferrari, Dean Budd (captain), David Sisi, Jimmy Tuivaiti, Abraham Steyn, Sebastian Negri.
Replacements: Federico Zani, Andrea Lovotti, Marco Riccioni, Federico Ruzza, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan.
