ENGLAND’S quest for an unprecedented hat-trick of Six Nations titles was launched by a 46-15 victory over Italy yesterday that produced a late flurry of tries.

The champions exploded out of the blocks by crossing twice through Anthony Watson inside the opening 10 minutes, but the overwhelming win their early onslaught appeared to signpost only materialised in the closing stages.

In the end Italy’s whitewash was breached seven times in the bonus-point visit to the Stadio Olimpico, but England were made to work by a team that had nine starters with 10 caps or fewer.