Chiefs star in Italian job
By Mark Stevens
4/2/18
Sam Simmonds enjoyed a dream debut in the NatWest Six Nations Championship as he scored twice as England defeated Italy 46-15 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
In a stunning display from the Exeter Chiefs forward, who was making only his fourth international appearance, the No.8 claimed a second half double as Eddie Jones’ side ran in seven tries against the Azzurri.
Simmonds was instrumental in a decent start from the Red Rose country, who are chasing a third successive Six Nations crown under the guidance of Jones.
The 23-year-old also topped the charts with 23 tackles, 14 carries, 80 metres made and three clean breaks. However, it was team-mate Anthony Watson, who also claimed two tries on the day that surprisingly picked up the man of the match award.
Not that Simmonds was the only Exeter Chiefs star to prove his worth in the Italian capital. Winger Jack Nowell got in on the scoring act alongside George Ford and Owen Farrell, who also kicked four conversions and a penalty, while props Harry Williams and Alec Hepburn also impressed off the bench.
It was Hepburn’s first cap for England and he did not disappoint, coming on as a second half replacement for the experienced Mako Vunipola.
Italy countered with tries from Tommaso Benvenuti and Mattia Bellini, one of which was converted by Tommaso Allen, who also kicked a penalty, but it was never enough to deny England, who will now prepare for the visit of Wales to Twickenham this Saturday.
“It’s a very positive start,” said Jones. “We always knew it was going to be a tough game, they played exceptionally well and full credit to Italy. Conor O’Shea is doing a great job coaching them and it was a good tough game of rugby and we ran away with it in the end.”
Simmonds ended the match as the fans’ man of the match, with two tries, six gainline breaks and 23 tackles and Jones believes he is a great addition to the squad.
“Our scrum was superb, Italy were renowned as a good scrummaging country but we’ve done a lot of work in that area and our line out was also good,” added Jones. “When the game opened up he was in his element. He’s got gas and he does all our speed work with the backs as he’s that quick. He’s a great discovery for us, he gives us great options at No 8.
“It was also great for Alec Hepburn to come on for his first Test, he would have enjoyed being part of a dominant scrum, having his mate Harry Williams on the other side,” said Jones. “There was plenty of hair in that front row.”