Some would say my writing is very similar to an England performance of late. A sloppy start that eventually becomes what you expected, although you can't help but think that it could have and should have been better. 6 tries is what England would have been after, but to concede 3 tries will really frustrate Lancaster and his men against an Italian side that improved upon their performance against the Irish, but still should not pose a threat to the English line. Considering the defensive display last week the English were sluggish in defence, Mike Brown won't be delighted with his display and once again neither will Jonny May. May was disappointing, with his pace we expected more, but he once again had trouble backing himself to run at the line, missing out on a clear opportunity to show off.
The Italians will come away pleased with the improvements they made, they posed an attacking threat which is something they didn't get remotely close to in week 1. Luca Morisi could be the happiest Italian there is, after seizing his opportunity in Campagnaro's absence with 2 tries, he has staked his claim for the shirt and impressed many with his strong running. For England the highlights come in attack, they had a chance to show what they can do, and it was that man Jonathan Joseph who once again showed why he should be the England 13. 2 brilliant tries from the Bath player ensured that England continue their record against the Italians; 21 wins out of 21. But it was worrying for the English early on when Morisi went over in the corner after selling Brown with the dummy, and England trailed until the 24th minute, before Vunipola bundled over.
England had less possession, less territory, missed more tackles and had fewer line breaks than the Italians, but still ran away clear winners, and that is something that the English can hold on to; there is plenty more to come from the men in white. I expected a bigger game from Haskell, was hoping Burrell could bring more in attack and was desperate to see May show us his pace. I'd keep Haskell in the side, but would like to see Eastmond brought in to partner club mates Ford, Joseph and Watson and Wade in for May, if people have concerns about Wade's defence then they should re-watch Jonny May these past couple of weeks.
22 missed tackles is a concern for the English, if that happens in Dublin then Ireland could storm to victory. They will look to captain Robshaw as their role model, tackle well and start bright and Lancaster will be happy. Jonathan Joseph was rightly man of the match, he brightens up the English back line and when paired with Eastmond could do even more damage. Nick Easter and Cipriani played well when they came on, making instant impacts as Easter became England's oldest ever try scorer. Twelvetrees was good as well, I'm very happy to see him come off the bench but would not like to see him start in an England shirt just yet. England fans will be expectant now for the rest of the tournament, expecting now a very close game against the Irish that the men in white could well win. To sum it all up: disappointing defence, promising attack.
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