SIX NATIONS 2024
PAUL REES

CLOSE yet comfortable summed up a contradictory England performance. Exposed in defence at times, they smothered Italy after the interval, and while there were misfires in attack they were prepared to go for it with quick ball.
It was a display to be expected from a team that had five uncapped players in its 23 with three others making their first appearances in the Six Nations. England trailed 17-8 after 25 minutes with Italy using their cutting edge to slice through new formations, but there was no panic or a retreat from the gameplan.
It may have been differen...