England dig deep to see off impressive Italy in Rome opener

Italy had led at half-time.

England’s Elliot Daly scores his side’s first try (Adam Davy/PA)

England survived a scare at the Stadio Olimpico to launch their post-World Cup rebuild with a 27-24 victory over Italy in their Guinness Six Nations opener.

For only the third time in the history of a rivalry spanning 31 Tests, inspired Italy led at the interval, but their 17-13 advantage was methodically picked apart by Steve Borthwick’s men.