Reaction to England's bonus-point win over Italy
England Senior Men head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje react to the team’s 47-24 win over Italy in the penultimate round of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship.
The team were hit by an early injury to Ollie Lawrence, but rallied to register seven tries to Italy’s three and Borthwick was impressed by his players’ resilience.
“I was really pleased with the players today,” he said.
“They adapted to an early disruption with Ollie Lawrence's injury against a really tricky opponent who are very streetwise. To get the result and the seven tries was a really great performance.
“The team has developed a long way. Two weeks ago it was against a Scotland team who played a very smart game, today was a completely different challenge and the guys dealt with it really well.”
Tommy Freeman scored his fourth try of the tournament to help seal the bonus-point win as England moved second in the Championship table, and Borthwick hopes the wing can continue his trajectory.
Borthwick said: “Tommy is playing really well, I think there is even more to come from him. He can be even more powerful in his carry and we are only just scratching the surface with him, his potential is huge.”
The performance was a fitting tribute to Jamie George, who won his 100th England cap and had a hand in Ollie Sleightholme’s well-worked try.
Itoje, George’s teammate at Saracens, paid tribute to the hooker for his character both on and off the field.
“Jamie is a fantastic player,” said Itoje. “He brings leadership, calmness and toughness. He is one of the most intelligent rugby players I've played with and I think my career is richer as a result of playing with and working alongside Jamie.
“He pulls the group together, he’s the ultimate people person and all he wants is the best for the team, so I'm delighted for him.”
Itoje also turned his attention to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where England face Wales in pursuit of a first Six Nations title since 2020.
“Wales, Cardiff, the Principality... it’s a tough place to go,” he said. “I've been fortunate enough to play there numerous times and I know how difficult it is.
“Wales v England is a humungous fixture and all of Wales will be crammed into the Principality. It's a challenge that we're very much looking forward to.”
.png?crop=yes&w=344&h=248&itok=2azQTKw8)
