England v Italy Match Review

Well we won! Forgotten how to say that to be honest but we did win, albeit against an Italian side that had to go to uncontested scrums 57mins into the game. The Italians lost both hookers and only a prop to replace them which meant that England could not challenge or push in the scrum, one of their fortes.

Once the euphoria of winning dies away and the match is analysed to death, England management and players will know they have to work much harder. England's performance today - well when they were good, they were good but when they played bad oh dear they were bad. The whole of the England team I think needs to work on it's defense. A number of players missed vital tackles any other six nations team would have punished England today.

First Half:

England coming out and looking within the first ten mins very sharp. Penalty to start the ball rolling which Charlie converted, then the first of Mark Cueto's hat trick of tries this one from almost one end of the field to the other, Charlie converted and England were on a roll 10 points to nil up. England showing determination and Charlie Hodgson's kicking from hand was class.

18mins in Italy starting to move the ball around and showing some good ball handling skills. 24 mins Grewcock hanging onto the ball penalty awarded to Italy - taken but it just clipped the post, for the first time you could here the Italians in the crowd at Twickenham shouting 'Italia', 'Italia'.

26mins Italy in the England 22 getting closer to the England line threatening, but England's defense holding. Italy putting pressure on England during mid way through the first half. 31 mins Adrea Masi failed to clear the ball and knocked on. England scrum turned to the right, the ball then came left taken by Barkley but he held onto long.

33min Ref., playing advantage pen to England, Charlie's kick just drifting off to the left. 37 mins a try by Steve Thomson (Thomson's 3rd try in England colours), conversion by Charlie. England 17 - Italy 0.

38mins England putting pressure on and Italy defending well. The pressure paid off some excellent breaks by Noon throughout the match and a lovely pass to Mark Cueto who went in for his second try. The Twickenham crowd went mad unfortunately Charlie missed the conversion. Half time score England 22 v Italy 0

Second Half:

Italy out of the traps sharp and determined to catch England, they did! Italy in those early moments playing some good rugby and well deserving their try scored by Alessandro Troncon and conversion by Gert Peens Score 22 - 7.

50 mins into the game Matt Dawson game on and the game moved up a gear, things started to happen, 52mins Lewsey went over but was brought back as the pass was deemed forward. England putting pressure on and when being awarded penalties not going for goal but going for touch which was really good to see.

55 mins excellent rolling maul but the Ref., shouting 'use it or lose it' - England not quick enough, lost it! Balshaw went over for a try around 61mins mark, Charlie missed the conversion. Score 27 - 7 and then 64mins the Cueto Hat trick try - Well done Mark! However, again Charlie failed to convert. Score 32 - 7.

70 mins changes made from the bench Thomson and Noon off Titterrell and Smith on, further changes around the 73 mins mark Charlie, Rowntree & Worsley off on Goode, Bell and Hazell. The match after these changes need to settle again and it did eventually.

74 mins Martin Corry was named Man of the Match and the Twickenham crowd went mad again however, my man of the match was Mark Cueto.

76mins Lewsey once again away at speed down the touchline but taken out after he cut back in 78mins Italy almost up to England's try line but the ball came out and England gathered. 79 mins Balshaw should have had a try the ball went begging as it slipped between his legs in the goal area. Aaagghh.

80mins but all was not lost as Andy Hazell went in for the last try of the game(but his first in England colours) and the other replacement Andy - Andy Goode converted and now has a 100% record!!!

Final Score: England 39 v Italy 7

Man of the Match

photo copyright of claire

Mark Cueto

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