The Six Nations clash between Italy and England in Rome was a historic moment, marking the first time the Azzurri had ever defeated the Red Rose. This victory not only shattered England's dominance but also left Steve Borthwick's job hanging by a thread. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their skills and strategies. Here's a deep dive into the winners and losers of this thrilling encounter.
Winners
Italy's Triumph: A Breakthrough Moment
Italy's win over England was a breakthrough moment for the team, dispelling any remaining notions of being the whipping boys of the Six Nations. The Azzurri had threatened an upset for years but lacked the finishing touches. This time, they overcame that hurdle and now have an outside shot at finishing third overall. It was a testament to their resilience and determination, especially against a formidable English side.
Ellis Genge's Scrummaging Mastery
Ellis Genge, a wily operator, showcased his scrummaging prowess in Rome. He took a methodical approach, outmaneuvering the powerful Simone Ferrari. Genge's ability to earn almost every 50/50 call in the scrums, aided by his teammates, particularly captain Maro Itoje, was crucial. His performance not only rose his reputation as an elite scrummager but also contributed significantly to Italy's victory.
Tommaso Menoncello's Solo Try
Tommaso Menoncello, paired with Juan Ignacio Brex, delivered a stunning solo try that showcased his brilliance. His line-running skills left four England defenders in his wake, and his pass to Leonardo Marin for the match winner was a brilliant display of timing. Menoncello's performance earned him the Six Nations Player of the Championship award and solidified his status as a world-class operator.
Michele Lamaro's Leadership
Michele Lamaro, Italy's inspirational leader, has been a driving force behind the team's success. He has led them to historic victories over Wales and Scotland, and his form has dipped. However, he reclaimed his position and led Italy to a heroic victory over England. Lamaro's performance at the breakdown, lineouts, and in defense was exceptional, and his leadership on the field was instrumental in Italy's triumph.
Losers
Maro Itoje's Moment of Madness
Maro Itoje, a key player for England, had a moment of madness that cost his team dearly. His indiscretion of slapping the ball out of Alessandro Fusco's hands resulted in a 10-minute sin-bin, which briefly overlapped with Sam Underhill's yellow card. This moment of stupidity and immaturity, reminiscent of his early career, was pivotal in England's defeat.
Simone Ferrari's Scrummaging Struggles
Simone Ferrari, a dominant force in the scrum, faced challenges against Italy's Baby Rhino. His reputation suffered a small ding in Rome, and he will be eager to bounce back on the final weekend of the Six Nations.
Tom Curry's Injury Woes
Tom Curry, a gladiator for England, suffered a setback during a maul warm-up drill, leaving him visibly distressed. His achilles heel has been his ability to remain fit, and this injury further impacted England's performance.
Sam Underhill's Unsavory Exchange
Sam Underhill, a back-rower, had an unsavory exchange with referee Luc Ramos during the first half. Underhill's desire to stay on the field clashed with Ramos' decision, leading to a heated moment.
Giacomo Nicotera's Daftness
Giacomo Nicotera, a shining light for Italy, had a moment of utter daftness at the breakdown, which was blatantly obvious and punished.
Steve Borthwick's Unfortunate Decisions
Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, faced criticism for his team selection and bench management. His decision to roll the dice with many changes against a confident Azzurri outfit backfired. Borthwick's lack of trust in his replacements and his shell-like behavior in the final 10 minutes contributed to England's defeat. The knives will be out as England crashes back down to earth, and Borthwick's job is now on the line.
