Italy vs England player ratings: Sam Simmonds and Anthony Watson double up in seven-try thrashing

Man-for-man marking from the Six Nations encounter at the Stadio Olimpico

England got their Six Nations title defence off to a winning start with a seven-try 46-15 victory over Italy, who showed plenty of promise ahead of the rest of the championship but faded badly late on at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Both Anthony Watson and Sam Simmonds scored twice, the latter making his Six Nations debut at No 8, while Owen Farrell, George Ford and replacement Jack Nowell completed the scoring.

Owen Farrell recorded 16 points including the try as he landed four conversions and a penalty, although six points did go begging that would have taken England beyond the 50-point barrier.

Italy replied with an early try from wing Tommaso Benvenuti and a penalty from fly-half Tomasso Allan seeing the hosts trailing 17-10 at half-time.

England pulled clear after the break though, especially in the last 10 minutes, with Simmonds rising to the fore as he bagged two second-half scores in just his fourth Test appearance, and Italy's lone score came from the opposite wing Mattia Bellini 22 minutes from time.

So how did the players perform?

Click on the gallery above to find out.