Nowell scores in Italian win

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs starlet Jack Nowell claimed his first-ever international try for England, but it was not enough to help his side to Six Nations glory.

Cornishman Nowell ran in one of seven tries for Stuart Lancaster's side as they thumped Italy 52-11 in Italy - but it was not enough to secure title success as Ireland's 22-20 win over France in Paris secured top billing for the the Emerald Isle.

England, however, again showed their worth in Rome as two tries from the exceptional Mike Brown and one apiece for Owen Farrell, Nowell, Manu Tuilagi, Mako Vunipola and skipper Chris Robshaw blew the disappointing hosts away, with Farrell converting all seven and adding a penalty in a fine display.

Although disappointed not to lift the end title, Lancaster saw many positives from his team's display. He said: "We came here and scored 50; not many teams do that. I am proud of the boys.

"Credit to Ireland, they are deserved winners and it's a fitting finale for Brian O'Driscoll, a legend of the game we all respect."

England needed to win by 50 clear points to overhaul Ireland's superior points difference and put themselves in a good position to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2011.

They had looked likely to do that until a late Leonardo Sarto interception try for Italy.

Despite failing to win the title, Lancaster believes his players can take away many positives from their performances throughout the tournament.

"We always knew this was going to be one of the tightest Six Nations and go down to the wire," he said. "We have a great squad we've got developing and the bigger picture is important.

"The match against France was frustrating, but then look at the performance against Scotland, the Ireland performance, the Wales performance, and I don't think anyone has come here and scored as many as we have. So you've got to be proud of the boys, really."

England captain Chris Robshaw added: "The response after France has been outstanding.

"We always knew it was going to be tough. The last two encounters we've had against Italy there was no more than a score in it. We were focused and ready. We came here to score 50 points and that's what we did, but unfortunately we conceded."