Wasps' scrum-half Joe Simpson on Twitter:, external A scrappy game for England but looks like it could really open up when legs start to get heavy.

England's patience is rewarded. They calmly recycle and Owen Farrell strolls over underneath the posts for one of the easiest tries - and conversions - of his career.

A long pass from Billy Twelvetrees, but it's a pair of forwards on his outside. England earn a penalty, Owen Farrell opts for touch. Momentum is with the visitors, forward they go...

Danny Care breaks from the base of the scrum... forward the men in white rumble... They switch it this way and that, inch by inch, yard by yard they go. Ben Morgan making territory, as does Luther Burrell... The try line looming...

Tom Fordyce
BBC chief sports writer in Rome

"Italy's expected strong showing at the scrum is causing England as many problems as their own occasional handling errors. All a little too frenetic for the men in white so far, ambition not quite being matched with accuracy on this perfect afternoon."

England perhaps attempting to force things a tad too much as they go in search of a thumping win. Courtney Lawes disrupts the Italian line-out but Chris Robshaw fumbles, and the Italians are off the hook.

A fantastic break through the middle by Luther Burrell, but England are unable to make the most of it as Angelo Esposito forcibly ejects Jonny May into touch. Brilliant defending by the Italian winger.

Lewis Moody
Former England captain in Rome on BBC One

"Italy have targeted the inexperience of Mako Vunipola in the scrum. There's been a lot of pressure of Mako so far, but one thing he does well is carry the ball well, as we have already seen early on."

From the restart, England have a line-out on the Italy 10m, they go wide but the visitors are once again turned over - Mike Brown the offender. Luciano Orquera boots the ball into touch for a moment of calm.

The Azzurri fans call for hush, Luciano Orquera takes an intake of breath before booting the ball over the posts.

Italy dominant in the scrum and Mako Vunipola is punished for collapsing, which allows Luciano Orquera to test his radar.

Andy Robinson
Ex-England and Scotland coach in Rome on BBC One

"What a great cover tackle by Owen Farrell. England have been put under pressure by some good Italian defence. England have got to maintain their kicking game."

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was not the best pass from Luther Burrell, rising from his left hand. Jack Nowell dropped the ball, Italy picked it up and goodness me they were close to getting that in the corner then. A lack of precision overall from England's play at the moment. They just need to settle down a little bit."

Image source, Getty Images

Jo Snow:, external Yes Mike Brown you beautiful man! My personal choice for man of the match last weekend. Amazing player!

Jonathan Marshall:, external Mike Brown is England's man of the tournament.

Richard Parfitt:, external Ten more of those and we're in with a shout.

So England register the game's first try. Can they get many more? Tweet us on #bbcrugby

Dodgy handling by Jack Nowell as the visitors attempt to dash out from their own half and that sets Leonardo Sarto pumping and snorting down the wing - but the move comes to nothing. The wing ignores two team-mates on his inside and England's scrambling defence smothers him.

Another honeyed platform for Italy's backs, thanks to their forwards' prowess in the scrum. Scrum-half Tito Tebaldi spins it wide to the right but full-back Luke McLean runs out of space and trots into touch.

Andy Robinson
Ex-England and Scotland coach in Rome on BBC One

"What a great attack, right through the middle by Billy Twelvetrees. Mike Brown has been sensational the way he has played this season and that was another great finish."

England disrupt the Italian line-out, stealing the ball and that sets the men in white on their way. Luther Burrell stands firm in the tackle, releases Mike Brown and the full-back gallops down the line to score his third try of the championship. A tricky touchline conversion for Owen Farrell, but the outside-half does what he usually does, which is hit the target.

England outside-half Owen Farrell goes through his familiar, idiosyncratic routine, squints with the sun in his eyes but bisects the posts to rein in the Italians.

A catalogue of errors from the men who want to be champions. Luther Burrell fails to hold on to Billy Twelvetrees' pass but, ultimately, it matters little as England earn a penalty.