ENGLAND 47-24 ITALY

England Keep Six Nations Hopes Alive With Dominant Win Over Italy

England’s Six Nations dream remains alive after a thrilling seven-try victory over Italy at Allianz Stadium. With France leading the table, England are in prime position to capitalize on any slip-up in the final round.

England Overcome Early Italian Resistance

The match started with high intensity as wing Ollie Sleightholme crossed twice in a commanding performance. However, Italy pushed back with two sensational tries, keeping the score tight at half-time.

Despite the narrow lead, England stormed ahead early in the second half. Replacement Marcus Smith and flanker Tom Curry struck in quick succession, breaking Italy’s resistance and allowing England to cruise to victory.

Key Moments That Defined England’s Victory

Italy showed promise in the opening half, with full-back Ange Capuozzo slicing through England’s defense to set up Ross Vintcent for a superb try. But England’s response was swift and decisive.

• Tom Willis scored the fastest try of the tournament in just over three minutes.
• Elliot Daly’s pinpoint grubber kick set up Tommy Freeman in the corner.
• Sleightholme showcased his finishing ability, diving in for a crucial try.
• Marcus Smith’s electric pace saw him blaze past Capuozzo for a game-changing score.
• Tom Curry’s brute strength powered over the line, sealing England’s dominance.

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England’s Title Hopes Hang in the Balance

England’s victory puts them just one point behind France, but with an 82-point deficit in points difference, their hopes of snatching the Six Nations title rest on an unlikely turn of events.

They face Wales in Cardiff on March 15, knowing they need a huge win while hoping Scotland can stun France in Paris.

Ollie Lawrence Injury Blow

The win came at a cost as centre Ollie Lawrence suffered a serious Achilles injury, ruling him out of the final round and possibly the British & Irish Lions tour.

Final Thoughts

England have done their part, but their fate is now out of their hands. Can Scotland pull off an upset and open the door for an England triumph? The final weekend of the Six Nations promises to be unmissable.

Line-ups

ENGLAND

Daly, Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Sleightholme; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje (capt), Chessum, T Curry, Earl, T Willis.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Baxter, Heyes, T Hill, Cunningham-South, B Curry, Van Poortvliet, M Smith

ITALY

Capuozzo, Ioane, Brex, Menoncello, Gallagher; P Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt) Vintcent

Replacements: Lucchesi, Spagnolo, Ferrari, Favretto, Zuliani, L Cannone, Page-Relo, Allan

Stats

ENGLAND (21) 47

Try: Willis (4′), Freeman (27′), Sleightholme (35′, 53′), M Smith (44′), T Curry (47′), Earl (80’+1)

Conversion: F Smith (4′, 28′, 36′, 45′, 48′, 53′)

ITALY (17) 24

Try: Capuozzo (14′), Vintcent (31′), Menoncello (71′)
Conversion: Garbisi (15′, 32′, 72′) 
Penalty: Garbisi (38′)

Man of the match: Ollie Chessum (England)

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

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