The horror half-hour that cost England in Six Nations defeat to Italy

If the manner of defeats to Scotland and Ireland was striking in the fact that England were never really in the contest, their historic Six Nations loss to Italy in Rome was worrying in an altogether different way. Steve Borthwick has spoken of how of his side had learned from the tough times of 2024 and become a better side at winning Test matches when they become an arm-wrestle, backing his bench to close out games in the final quarter. Steve Borthwick’s boys threw away a lead as Italy surged forward (Getty) At the moment that Fin Smith struck his second penalty through the uprights, England had a lead of eight points, and a man advantage, with nearly 54 minutes on the clock.

It was a position of supreme strength for a side that had made converting that scenario into victory a speciality during their 12-match winning run. So what, exactly, went wrong for England in a horror half-hour? Here’s how they managed to throw the game away against an impressive Italy: Six points in six minutes England’s aerial game was generally better in Rome than it had been in against Scotland and Ireland, with 38 kicks in play representing a return to their strategy.

Their problems, however, begin with Elliot Daly losing an aerial challenge from Monty Ioane, and Italy picking up the second ball. The defensive line reforms well and Ellis Genge and Sam Underhill put in what appears live to be a strong double shot on Danilo Fischetti. A few phases later, the openside snaffles a breakdown turnover; England clear and force a knock on in the Italy half.

But TMO Eric Gauzins calls down to referee Luc Ramos to inspect Underhill’s hit, finding clear shoulder to head contact. Italy convert the penalty to narrow the gap to five points. ...