RED ROSE RATINGS - ENGLAND 57 - 14 ITALY

RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 57 – 14 ITALY

               Date: 9^th March 2019

               Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England

               Referee: Nic Berry

               Attendance: 82,000

England piled on the misery for an Italian side that have now lost their last twenty-one Six Nations fixtures. Eddie Jones was prompted to once again raise the question of promotion and relegation from the historic competition as his side routed a hapless Italy. The victory keeps England in touch with the championship leading Welsh but leaves them relying on an Irish victory on the final weekend if they’re to lift the trophy.

15 – Elliot Daly (Wasps) – 7

Tormented Italy with his mazy runs and dancing feet as he acted as England’s chief playmaker in the backline. His game complemented that of the hard-running Tuilagi, Cokanasiga and Te’o perfectly.

14 – Joe Cokanasiga (Bath) – 8

Such a dangerous force when running with ball in hand (quite literally) and he constantly broke through the Italian lines. Unlucky not to score a try of his own but played his role in setting them up for his teammates on more than one occasion. Defensively though he was found out, and against different opposition this could have been costly.

Joe Cokanasiga was a constant threat (Photo: Getty Images)

13 – Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) - 8

Another of England’s backs that the Italians just didn’t have an answer for, he ran through tackles and bounced off defenders with ease on his way to two tries. Also provided an assist for a Brad Shields score but like Cokanasiga will need to tidy up his defensive game.

12 – Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors) – 6

Much quieter than his centre partner as he struggled to make the clean breaks and barnstorming runs. Defensively tidy and strong though and Eddie Jones will likely consider this midfield set-up against certain opposition come the World Cup.

11 – Johnny May (Leicester Tigers) - 6

Back on the scoresheet after a week off but the hard work was done by his colleagues. Good under the high ball and chased well as per but saw the possession pass him by for large periods as Cokanasiga’s right wing was preferred. Tackled the Italian doctor in a classic Johnny May move which sits alongside his famous scrum incident.

10 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – 7

Masterminded an effective attacking game for the side in white and was his usual physical self when defending his channel. Kicked well, both from the tee and hand, missing only once from six attempts.

9 – Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) - 7

Buzzed around the breakdown in the first half and got the ball into the hands of the dangerous carriers on plenty of occasions. Showcased a little more invention than we usually see from the England nine as he tailored his game plan to the opposition.

1 – Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers) - 7

All the talk pre-match was of the Leicester player’s ball carrying ability, but it was this facet of his game that took a backseat. He was dominant at the set-piece causing all sorts of problems in the scrum and defended well with some big tackles.

2 – Jamie George (Saracens) - 8

Did his main job as lineout thrower perfectly hitting his man every time, it was from one of these that he rumbled his way over at the back of a driving maul. Showcased his versatility by looping a lovely pass into the arms of Tuilagi for another try.

3 – Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) – 7

Like Genge relatively quiet in attack but strong in defence and had the beating of his scrum rival Andrea Lovotti throughout. Attempted a cheeky grubber in behind the Italian lines as he exuded the confidence he’s shown all through the Six Nations.

4 – Joe Launchbury (Wasps) - 6

Will shoulder some of the blame of Italy’s first score but worked hard in defence getting through plenty of tackles. A threat at the lineout and the breakdown, keeping the visitors honest with his presence.

5 – George Kruis (Saracens) - 9

Really strong game for a man that’s often criticised as being relatively quiet outside his lineout game. Was impressive at the set-piece both in attack and defence but it was his work rate around the ruck that was the jewel in his crown on this occasion. Charged down and collected a kick of his own for a try and then was on hand to block another clearance that fell straight into the hands of a gleeful Shields.

6 – Brad Shields (Wasps) – 7

Started slowly with a loose forward pass and some avoidable penalty infringements but grew into the game. Nice support line saw him grab a first England try and soon had another as he caught Kruis’ charge down metres from the exposed Italian whitewash.

7 – Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) - 6

Could so easily have had an early score but wasn’t expecting Cokanasiga to show the sleight of hand he did as the Sale man fumbled a delightful offload. Competed hungrily at the breakdown but wasn’t as effective as he has been in recent outings, penalised on a couple of occasions. The work rate will excite Eddie though.

8 – Billy Vunipola (Saracens) - 8

Deployed as a bulldozer and for large periods was too strong for the Italians regularly making ground. Fielded the ball well in the backfield from where he put together a devasting partnership with Bath’s Cokanasiga. Looks to be returning to his best but the critical Scottish test next week will be the ultimate indicator of this.

SUBS:

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) - 6

Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs) - 6

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) - 6

Nathan Hughes (Wasps) - 6 

Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) - 6

Dan Robson (Wasps) - 7

George Ford (Leicester Tigers) - 6

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) - 6