Member of the Tournament since 2000, Italy has never beaten England. This Saturday afternoon, under the magnificent sun of Rome, deprived of Ange Capuozzo (victim of gastroenteritis), she lost again (24-27), but she can be proud of what she proposed with a defensive bonus.
Inspired by a great Ignacio Brex, she even led at the break (17-14) thanks to two magnificent tries scored by Allesandro Garbisi (11th), the scrum half, little brother of Paolo, the Montpellier, also holder, and by Tommaso Allan (26th), the back of Perpignan. But a match lasts 80 minutes and after the break, the Italians who are now coached by Gonzalo Quesada suffered, only managing to score in the dying seconds through Monti Ioana.
England, more experienced, physically stronger, without hurrying, without panicking, caught up while trailing 17-8 in the 26th minute. Led by Alex Mitchel (45th) author of a try, by George Ford precise in front of the poles, by Maro Itoje who scratched three or four balls, by Freddie Steward, always so comfortable in the air, but also by Tommy Freeman, this Northampton winger who had not worn the England jersey since November 2022, she did what she had planned to do, she played, restarted, attacked first hand.
Ethan Roots, man of the match
Yes, she took risks and sometimes showed naivety and generosity in defense, but she constantly set the pace with this desire to win, but also to seduce, to bring the crowds to their feet, which she was not failed to achieve during the World Cup which it nevertheless finished in the last four. We even saw Tommy Freeman, again him, and still him, decisive on Elliot Daly’s first try (20th) play a quick touch.
The winger touched a significant number of balls, not content with staying in his lane, but greedily offering his hands to George Ford. He scored points, just like Ethan Roots, the other new addition to this English XV, also elected man of the match. The Exeter flanker did not hide, repeatedly breaking the Italian line. We will see him again, that’s a certainty, next week, at Twickenham, for the reception of Wales.
