England 80 Italy 23
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| Matt Dawson breaks through the Italian lines despite the efforts of Walter Pozzebon (© Allsport) |
17/02/01:England may have scored the most points in Six Nations history today when they beat Italy 80-23, but not before the brave Italians had shocked the massive favourites by leading 20-17 in the first half.
Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson set an individual scoring record for the competition of 35 points by kicking nine conversions and four penalties, and scoring a late try. He was successful with 13 out of 14 kicks at goal.
Winger Austin Healey and fullback Iain Balshaw both scored two tries.
Italy failed to score a point in the second half, and completely ran out of steam late on tut they shocked the punter who put £90,000 sterling on England to win by scoring two tries in the first half including the first of the match through winger Denis Dallan.
Dallan burst through three weak English tackles in the sixth minute to score a try near the right-hand corner which fullback Andrea Scanavacca converted to give the Italians a 7-0 lead.
Healey replied with two tries for England in the 14th and 19th minutes but the Italians crossed again when number eight Carlo Checchinato crashed over in the 25th minute.
Scanavacca converted and added a penalty soon afterwards to give the Italians a 20-17 lead after half an hour.
Winger Jason Robinson became the first English player to switch from league to union and win international caps at both codes.
The former Great Britain and Wigan player won his first union cap when he came on as a replacement in the 51st minute. - Reuters