Rugby: England claim the Six Nations crown

England met the requirements by beating Italy 34-5 with a bonus point on Sunday and then had to wait before learning it was enough to be crowned Six Nations champions.

France and Ireland lost their chance to beat England in the final match of the tournament.

Ireland could have won the title if they had beaten France by seven points.

France was also on the hunt, but needed to beat Ireland by 32 points with an extra point. They got the bonus point, but the 35-27 victory in Paris meant that England had that title once again.

It is England’s third title in five years, but the first since 2017.

England did what they had to do on a nice afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico, but it wasn’t the most predicted fight by a team that put Italy over 40 in their last three visits.

England dominated again, but played the first half poorly, kicking possession 22 times and leading just 10-5. He was much more intense and accurate after the break, scoring four attempts. Owen Farrell hit four of his six kicks and hit the post twice.

“We have done our job,” Farrell said. “I thought we were going for them. But there was a big part of the first half where we couldn’t get our hands on the ball and we couldn’t get our game on the field. We did the job at the end.”

Scrumhalf Ben Youngs marked his 100th appearance with two attempts and hooker Jamie George celebrated his 50th game with one of his own. Flanker Tom Curry secured the important quarter with 13 minutes to go, and center Henry Slade added the last.

But they faced a team from Italy that was energetic and uncomfortable, and they stayed in touch during the first half thanks to an attempt by England-born No. 8 Jake Polledri.

Italy was outgunned in the end and finished a fifth straight tournament without winning. Italy have lost a record 27 consecutive matches since their last victory in 2015.

Things seemed to be going according to plan when England scored the first try in the fifth minute. Farrell benefited from a decoy run to open up Italy’s defense and send Youngs to the posts.

But prop Kyle Sinckler spilled the ball, Italy’s Carlo Canna jumped and Polledri scored in the corner.

England winger Jonny Hill, on his debut, went to the bin for a dangerous tackle on Edoardo Padovani, but Italy failed to take advantage.

Polledri received a yellow card for a professional foul just before halftime, and Italy thought he scored, but Federico Mori lost a chase against England defender George Furbank.

England came back from the break with much-needed more intent, and Youngs scored again after a fall from Hill.

Polledri came back to even the forwards, but England’s pack edged out Italy’s to carry George in a mallet.

The all-important fourth try came after England won a scrum penalty and went for an attack lineout. Curry went blind from a ruck and went untouched to the left corner. Relieved, Eddie Jones left the sideline to return to the coaches’ area.

Slade ended the scoring with a try from Farrell.