England edge Italy in Six Nations opener but sluggish showing sparks concerns
England’s new era started with more fizzle than bang even though the Red Rose men still tiptoed to a testing 27-24 Six Nations win in Italy.
Steve Borthwick’s side trailed 10-0 then 17-8 in an alarming first-half showing at the Stadio Olimpico, as Jamie George’s first match as captain clunked rather than clicked into gear.
England never really found their spark, and leaked two poor tries from Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan.
But George Ford booted 17 points, and Elliot Daly and Alex Mitchell claimed vital scores. Just when England
