03/02/2024
03/02/2024
ROME, Feb 3, (AP): England survived a major scare by Italy to win their Six Nations opener 27-24 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
The Azzurri had to console themselves with outscoring England three tries to two, posting their most points ever against England, and losing by the narrowest margin ever. England ran its unbeaten record against Italy to 31 straight matches but it didn't take the lead until the 45th minute and held on.
New Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada’s reign got off to a promising start as the Azzurri raced 10-0 ahead. Italy led at halftime 17-14, but England dominated territory in the second half and added 10 points to move in front 27-17 without kicking on.
Italy earned a deserved losing bonus point in the 85th minute when winger Monty Ioane busted past a couple of defenders and scored a converted try.
England under new captain Jamie George got an opening win for the first time since 2019 and debuted five players - their most in one game in 12 years - including starters Fraser Dingwall and flanker Ethan Roots, who was named man of the match.
Their territorial advantage was rewarded by flyhalf George Ford, who kicked five penalties and a conversion to tries by Elliot Daly and Alex Mitchell.
Tommaso Allan became Italy's leading try-scorer and point-scorer in Six Nations history with his own converted try in the first half, and was surprised when he missed his only goal attempt in the second half. That was his first missed goalkick since August.