ROME ROUT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR ENGLAND
ENGLAND had to settle for second place in the championship – but Stuart Lancaster’s troops gave it one hell of a go in Rome.
Needing to rack up a huge margin of victory to make absolutely sure of winning the title, they set out from the kick- off to keep the ball alive and create chances.
And they achieved that – although they couldn’t quite overtake Ireland’s points advantage.
Mike Brown scored two tries, while Owen Farrell, Jack Nowell, Mako Vunipola, Manu Tuilagi and Chris Robshaw also crossed.
Wrestling
Farrell’s goal kicking was outstanding, with the Saracens stand- off converting all seven touchdowns and also slotting a penalty.
But he was lucky to escape a late yellow card after tackling Edoardo Gori around the throat and wrestling him to the ground.
Leonardo Sarto’s interception try and two Luciano Orquera penalties were all Italy could manage in reply.
Lancaster said after the final whistle: “We scored some great tries and we’ve come to Rome and scored 50. Not many teams have done that – in fact very, very few.
“There were some errors in the first half, but I’m just proud of the boys.
“It is a great squad we have got developing and the bigger picture is important.”
Red Rose captain Robshaw felt his side did everything that was asked of them. “We always knew it would be tough,” he said.
“The last two encounters we’ve had against Italy, there was no more than a score in it.
“We were focused and ready. We came here to score 50 points and that’s what we did, but unfortunately we conceded.”
Brown was named man of the match for his try- scoring exploits, but was quick to point out the impact the team had as a whole.
He said: “First and foremost we wanted to come here and put in a performance and win, and we scored a good few tries.
“The way we played was outstanding. We’re definitely trying to play with tempo.
“All credit to the boys for their efforts today.”