England bounced back from last week's Six Nations loss to Scotland this afternoon, defeating Italy on a scoreline of 31-14 at Twickenham.
In truth, the game was never much of a contest. There were some suggestions that the Italians could put it up to the hosts after running France close last week, with Steve Borthwick's side in a potentially vulnerable after underwhelming against the Scots last time out.
However, it was clear from early on that a shock result was unlikely. England dominated in most facets of the game and looked well in control at halftime. Some sloppiness did allow Italy to grow into the game after this point, although the home side would ultimately secure a bonus point victory.
Borthwick will be pleased to get his first victory as head coach, although some believe that today's performance shows that they still have a long way to go if they are to compete with the top sides.
Clive Woodward not impressed with England's Italy performance
Clive Woodward was on punditry duty on ITV for this game and he was concerned by some aspects of the England performance.
Speaking after the final whistle, he pointed out a number of areas where their play was not good enough. He also pointed out one part of modern rugby that drives him mad, something that was on show once again in this fixture.
At halftime we were all quite pleased, it had been a workman like performance.
In the second half, I wrote a few things down here, you'd question the ambition. There was no quick throw-ins, at the scrum penalty everyone comes running so we can't get a quick throw-in.
There was massive over kicking in the red zone, from 22 metres out it was just kicking, kicking, kicking.
The substitutions, you're trying to build a new team, so keep the 15 on the field of play. I agree with [Henry] Arundell and [Alex] Mitchell coming on, because I think those two arguably could start for England. Everyone else is definitely on the reserve list, so keep your team on the field of play.
We lost our shape and let Italy back into the game.
The last thing, and this really drives me nuts with all teams, is when you get into 80 minutes and the score 31-14 and you just kick the ball off the field. For me, a call should come from the captain that says 'lets pretend we're five points down, we have to score'.
I'm a little bit disappointed in the second half, but if you said that score at the start, we would have been pretty pleased. It's a big step forward, but we've got to go to Wales now.
The home side had secured a bonus point win in the game, but with Italy out of sight, you can understand why Woodward would want them to show a bit of ambition to further their lead at the end of the game. Of course, scoring difference could yet play a big part in deciding their finishing position later in the competition.
England certainly have quite a bit to go if they are to compete with the likes of Ireland and France, a gap they will be hoping to close ahead of the World Cup later this year.
SEE ALSO: Stephen Jones Had Some Bizarre Opinions On Ireland's Win Over France
