Rome: Anthony Watson and Sam Simmonds both scored two tries as England launched their bid for an unprecedented third outright Six Nations title with a 46-15 win away to Italy at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Watson crossed for two unconverted tries early on but Italy recovered to be 17-10 down at the break only for England, who scored seven tries in total, to pull away in the second half

Victory meant England have won all 24 of their Tests against Italy, with the Azzurri’s losing streak in the Six Nations extended to 13 matches.

An injury-hit England took just three minutes to open the scoring with a well-worked try for Watson.

The visitors won a scrum penalty which Owen Farrell kicked deep into Italy territory to give England an attacking line-out.

They won quick ball off the top and recalled centre Ben Te’o ran hard at the Italian midfield.

Te’o also showed good handling skills to link with George Ford on the loop and Jonny May made the extra man by coming across from the left wing before sending in right wing Watson on the overlap.

Farrell’s difficult conversion from the right touchline hit the post and stayed out.

England suffered a setback, however, 10 minutes into the match when scrum-half Ben Youngs went off injured.

But Watson soon had his second try.

Agence France-Presse