Johnny marches to record

England 20 Italy 7

Jonny Wilkinson became the most prolific scorer in championship history as England struggled to a 20-7 win over spirited Italy in the RBS 6 Nations at Twickenham.

England failed to reach the heights attained in their opening win over Scotland and were forced to rely on the boot of Wilkinson, who followed up his 27-point Calcutta Cup record haul with five precious penalties.

His first kick at goal, after only three minutes, enabled him to break Neil Jenkins’ previous championship of 406 points.

England’s only try came from winger Jason Robinson – his third in two matches since his return to the international scene – in first-half injury time, while the Azzuri were down to 14 men with the sin-binning of captain Marco Bortolami.

Italy, who had conceded 159 points on their three previous visits to Twickenham, were in determined mood after their 39-3 hammering by France and their second-half domination was rewarded with a try to fly-half Andrea Scanavacca.

England were never in danger of defeat but it was hardly the confidence boost they needed ahead of the tougher Tests to come, starting with a trip to Dublin’s Croke Park in a fortnight.