England vs Italy LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction to first win of Steve Borthwick era

England have little appetite to play aimless phases, Owen Farrell kicking into the corner at the first hint of slow ball. Italy scramble back sharply in good number and clear to a similar position on the right touchline to where England started that last movement.

Smart thinking from England, Freddie Steward pushed out to the right wing for the second time this first half to try and get after the significantly smaller in stature Ange Capuozzo in the air. Capuozzo does just enough in the air to win the ball back, but Italy make a mess of their clearance, resulting in an England territorial win.

Two reasonably clinical trips to the Italian 22 from England, and the speed with which they scored there means the home side will have most of Lorenzo Cannone’s period in the bin to attack against 14. An aerial fumble from Italy grants them a scrum feed just inside their own half.

And Ollie Chessum crashes over for his first England try!

Efficient enough from the hosts, Jack Willis showing well in the carry as Italy struggled to combat England’s heavy artillery. Genge is involved again, picking up from the base and releasing a lovely blind pass at the line to put his old Leicester front five chum through a gap.

Owen Farrell converts Chessum’s score.

Nothing inventive from England, Genge carrying hard and then the rest of the forwards following their loosehead’s lead...

And there is the reach for the pocket from Doleman - Lorenzo Cannone drove before English feet were back to floor at the lineout, and he’ll have ten minutes on the naughty step to reflect on it.

England switch strategy - Ellis Genge taps and charges towards the left corner...

Danilo Fischetti this time enters from the side - Federico Ruzza has taken over the Italian captaincy and is called into the headmaster’s office for a stern word.

James Doleman ignores Owen Farrell’s request for a card, but as England return to the corner, Italy will have to quell it legally or draw further sanction.

Italy are penalised again at the maul, Niccolo Cannone changing his bind to stall it.

England into the corner once more.

Michele Lamaro has soldiered on but is finally traipsing off - HIA is the call from the officials, with Manuel Zuliani on at least temporarily.

That’s Jack Willis at his best - other refs might have deemed his release unclear, but there is no doubting the strength of the openside’s jackal as he tackles, stays on his feet and draws a holding on penalty with hamstrings fully flexed. England back into the Italian 22 with possession for the first time since their opening score.