England saw off a determined Italian side in round two of the Women’s Six Nations at Stadio Gino Pistoni to land a 33-24 victory.
A frantic start saw Italy take the lead immediately from kick off through Maria Grazia Cioffi as the hosts showed impressive attacking intent early on. England centre Lauren Cattell levelled after winger Ruth Laybourn broke free of the Italian defence.
With England’s forwards starting to get the upper hand, full back Katie Mason was able to sprint through after a period of sustained pressure to make it 14 – 7. However, Italy came straight back with a fine effort from winger Sofia Stefan but wing Lotte Clapp crossed in the corner to put England 19-12 up at half time.
Italy began the second half as the stronger team and were rewarded when Cioffi powered over but England’s replacements began to make the difference as the hosts tired.
Second row Abbie Scott showed good strength to put England 26-17 ahead before replacement Bianca Blackburn finished a brilliant passage of running rugby to extend the lead to 16 points. A late effort from replacement Silvia Folli was not enough to bring it back for the hosts with the match ending 33-24.
Having been demolished 39-7 by England last year, the hosts were keen to get some revenge as England struggled to cope with Italy’s speed and expansive rugby in the opening quarter. Captain Sarah Hunter said the team had left the pitch somewhat frustrated by their performance.
“All credit to the way Italy played today, they played some great attacking rugby,” said Hunter. “They’ve got some physical forwards and some really fast threatening backs.
“Of course we are happy with the win but I think we didn’t manage to get full control of the game. We know we are going to have to improve.”
With Italy’s backline eager to stretch England it came down to the forwards to give the visitors some control. Lead Coach Scott Bemand was impressed by the team’s resilience and hailed their character.
“They put us under pressure but our girls showed a lot of character to come through and get the result,” he said. “The win gives us some good momentum in the competition and we are looking forward to a getting back to training and working on some areas before we play Ireland.”
England have won their opening two games having beaten Scotland last week and will next welcome Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 27 February.
Report courtesy of England Rugby
