England start title defence with big win
England successfully began its bid for a record third straight outright Six Nations rugby title with seven tries but could be left counting the cost of yesterday’s 46-15 victory in Italy in Rome after a serious injury to Ben Youngs.
Youngs was carted off on a stretcher less than 10 minutes into his 56th start for England, which overtook Matt Dawson’s record of most starts for an England halfback.
Eddie Jones’ England outfit was already 5-0 up by then and Anthony Watson scored his second try of the day as the golf cart carrying Youngs was still circulating the pitch at Stadio Olimpico.
Six Nations debutant Sam Simmonds also scored two tries, in the second half, while George Ford and Jack Nowell got ont he scoreboard for England late on as Italy collapsed.
Owen Farrell missed the first two conversions but racked up England’s third try and added the extras on that occasion as well as on his next three attempts.
Tommaso Benvenuti and Mattia Bellini touched down for Italy, both following wonderful passes from Tommaso Allan, who converted one and scored a penalty kick.
England moved to the top of the table, ahead of Wales on goal difference.
Italy had lost its past 12 Six Nations matches and all 23 of its previous contests against England.