Tuilagi sparkles as England thrash Italy

England responded to their Six Nations loss versus Wales with an emphatic defeat Italy, setting up an intriguing final weekend.

 

 

 

Manu Tuilagi scored a try in each half as rampant England cut Wales' lead to just a point with a 57-14 Six Nations thrashing of Italy at Twickenham.

England's Grand Slam hopes were dashed by Wales in Cardiff a fortnight ago and they took their frustration out on the Azzurri with a ruthless eight-try drubbing on Saturday.

The outstanding Tuilagi grabbed a first Test try for five years and claimed another in the second half as England maintained their perfect record against Italy, beating them for a 25th time.

Jamie George and Jonny May tries preceded Tuilagi's first score and Brad Shields' maiden Test try to seal the bonus point in a first half that saw Tommaso Allan's superb converted score bring Italy level, before England took charge.

Luca Morisi touched down for a second Italy try as they were more competitive in the second half, but George Kruis, Dan Robson and Shields added further tries in a rout.

Owen Farrell scored 11 points from the tee as Eddie Jones' side set up an intriguing final weekend, when they entertain Scotland and hope Ireland do them a favour in Cardiff.

#ENGvITA | Manu Tuilagi goes over for his second ⚡⚡

[Credit: @SixNationsRugby] pic.twitter.com/ogRXMihWT0

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 9, 2019