England vs Italy result: Watson try seals convincing farewell victory as Italians kept scorelees
Re-live all the action from St James’ Park where England ran in four tries in a dominant display as they prepare to leave for Japan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England finished their preparations for the Rugby World Cup with a convincing 37-0 demolition of Italy to make it three wins from four warm-up games.
Ben Youngs, Joe Marchant, Ellis Genge and Anthony Watson all scored second-half tries to seal the victory in style, with Owen Farrell kicking 17 points including three first-half penalties in what was a uncharacteristically slow start from the hosts.
However, the second half saw England find their stride as they dominated Italy, who found themselves without a single chance of scoring after the break, though the victory was soured by injuries to Joe Launchbury, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Kyle Sinckler.
England fly to Japan on Sunday for a 10-day training camp in Miyazaki, before playing their first World Cup fixture against Tonga on 22 September. Re-live all the action below.
When is it?
England vs Italy takes place at St James’ Park on Friday 6 September.
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 7:45pm.
Where can I watch it?
The Test will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action from 7pm. Highlights will be shown on BBC One at 11:05pm and at 11am on Saturday on BBC Two.
Teams
England: Anthony Watson; Ruaridh McConnochie, Joe Marchant, Piers Francis, Jonny May’ Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Mark Wilson, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie Ewels, Matt Kvesic, Willi Heinz, George Ford, Joe Cokanasiga.
Italy: Jayden Hayward; Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Tommaso Benvenuti, Edoardo Padovani; Carlo Canna, Callum Braley; Nicola Quaglio, Oliviero Fabiani, Simone Ferrari; David Sisi, Dean Budd; Sebastian Negri, Abraham Steyn, Jimmy Tuivaiti.
Replacements: Federico Zani, Andrea Lovotti, Marco Riccioni, Federico Ruzza, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan.
Odds
England to win: 1/41
Italy to win: 50/1
Draw: 100/1
Prediction
England by 18: Even though it is a warm-up match, England have shown genuine desire to get as much as possible out of these matches, and Friday night should be no different. For a number of players, this will be their final chance to push for a place in the best XV before the World Cup, and it is an opportunity not to be wasted.
58 mins: The replacements are flowing now as England send on Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Cokanasiga and Matt Kvesic, who three years since his last appearance returns to the international fold. There's not many who though that he would be making his fourth appearance in total when he made his debut six years ago...
60 mins: England get a penalty for offside and there's a bit of a debate over what to do, only for Farrell to finally send it to the corner to the delight of the fans. Can England bag their third try here?
64 mins: England attack again and Curry goes mighty close int he right corner, only for last-gasp Italian defence to stop him. Sinckler then has a smash up the middle before England go wide, but as Ford loses his feet as he flicks it to May the pass goes forward and May's score is quickly chalked off as O'Keefe has called it forwards.
65 mins: England manage to get the put-in for the scrum after Braley - back on for Guglielmo Palazzani as the replacement scrum-half is forced off for an HIA - is caught at the base and knocks on. There's a flare up between both sets of forwards that takes a while to simmer down, and when England finally get the ball out they have a penalty advantage for not driving straight. England are on the attack again and Cokanasiga goes close, but the ball doesn't come back and play is pulled back for the penalty. Farrell sends it to touch.
68 mins: Italy think they've turned Kvesic over but Canna never released the tackle and England get the penalty. Farrell goes to the corner again... TRY FOR ENGLAND!
68 mins: England set up the driving maul from the lineout and at the base is Ellis Genge. The prop has many for company as the centre and wings all pile in to help the shove, ensuring that the maul drives over and Genge grounds it for his first England try. Farrell adds the extras. 30-0
73 mins: A slight worry for England here as Luke Cowan-Dickie is going off with what looks a right leg injury, with Jamie George back on.
74 mins: That was much better stuff from England. Ford whipped a wide pass to Ewels, who fashioned to through another miss pass only to give it to Anthony Watson next to him for the Bath flyer to dance his way over for the fourth try. Farrell converts to build the lead. 37-0
However, there's more concern here as now Sinckler limps off injured, and he's replaced by Joe Marler, who will get a small run-out at tighthead prop.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments