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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nick Purewal

England edge Italy in Six Nations opener but sluggish showing sparks concerns

England Italy George Ford Elliot Daly Steve Borthwick Tommaso Allan Six Nations Alex Mitchell Monty Ioane Red Rose

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.

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