It was billed as a must-win. After miserable defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England and head coach Steve Borthwick could not afford another setback.
But on a shocking Saturday in Six Nations rugby, Italy did just that, producing a result that was once unthinkable.
Massive changes were made to the England team after the 42-21 defeat to Ireland, but his side hit rock bottom in Rome when Borthwick needed a response.
The loss to the Azzurri for the first time in 33 international matches was their third defeat in this year’s Championship, giving England their worst result in the Six Nations.
Things could get much worse. France’s title-chasing campaign ended in disaster in Paris, but it is a chilling prospect for Borthwick, whose position has never been more precarious.
It was England’s first loss to Italy in 33 international matches against the Azzurri.
Former England international Hugo Monnier said: “(Talk about Borthwick’s future) has to start now.”
“Look at the last few weeks, before the loss to Ireland he gave the players confidence, but then he made a lot of changes and it didn’t work.
“If you look at the Six Nations teams, France are at the top, Scotland are getting better, Italy are getting better, Wales are getting better, England are going down too.
“How do you catch it? It’s just either the players or the coaches. I think at the moment the potential of the players is not being met by the vision of the coaches.”
Borthwick saw his year-long Test win streak of 12 matches disappear in the blink of an eye. His tenure could follow suit if England fail to stop France from snatching the title in Paris, but that possibility is as noteworthy as England’s demise.
England players stand dejected after defeat against Italy is confirmed
Italy sprinkles ‘stardust’ to make history
As England’s misery increases, there is also a chance that Italy will finish outside of the bottom two for the first time since 2013 and third time since joining the Six Nations in 2000.
A win against Wales or England failing to beat France (one could argue that both are likely) would secure a spot for the Azzurri, who are now a ferocious opponent for everyone.
Winger Lewis Reiner said the opening game against Scotland in a rain-soaked Rome was a valuable and important victory in giving his team confidence in a result like the win over England.
Man of the Match Tommaso Menoncello celebrates after scoring Italy’s opening try against England
Indeed, England were down to 13 points at the stage after committing two sins, but Italy were deft in attack, with center Tommaso Menoncello involved in two brilliant tries, and resolute in defence, with Reiner praising their players as “stardust”.
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made a name for himself in French rugby, and Lina revealed elements of that have been incorporated into Italy’s style of play.
Italy has not yet reached France’s level, but its upward trajectory continues.
Scotland turn on style in Murrayfield thriller
12 tries. Ninety points. A spectacularly insane game of rugby that only the Six Nations seems capable of producing.
Before the drama unfolded in Rome, a perfect day for Scottish rugby had already begun in scintillating fashion with a fine performance from Murrayfield.
Scotland ran riot, defeating France 50-40 and scoring seven tries, ending their Grand Slam hopes and setting up a thriller in the final round of the title race.
Scotland players celebrate as Darcy Graham scores his team’s second try against France to extend their lead
Les Bleus arrived in Edinburgh knowing that a bonus point victory would seal their second successive championship with a game in hand.
They finished the game conceding 50 goals for the first time in more than a decade and against Scotland, but a flurry of tries in the second half only covered up the cover they were given.
Gregor Townsend stopped short of labeling it the best performance of his tenure, but their third successive win after losing to Italy in the opening game was delivered with such devastating flair and once again demonstrated just how dangerous Scotland can be when everything goes right.
Six Nations to be fiercely contested on Super Saturday
Two shocking results on an action-packed day of rugby had huge implications for the top and bottom of the Six Nations.
Let’s start with the title fight. Scotland’s seven-try bonus point victory over leaders France means the only draw between the two teams is points difference.
Despite the loss, Les Bleus picked up a valuable bonus point and could clinch the title against England at the Stade de France on Saturday. The equation is simple. If France win, they will remain in the Six Nations.
Six Nations table ahead of the final 5th leg
Scotland, on the other hand, are aiming for their first title in the competition’s 26-year history, but after losing 18-15 to Italy in their opening game, it was a result that no fan could have predicted.
Townsend’s side head to Dublin for the fifth leg to face an in-form Ireland side who are two points behind the leaders and are well within the title race, while Andy Farrell’s side will need to beat Scotland and outdo France’s performance.
Although they are out of contention for the title, England have more than pride to play for. If underground side Wales secure a bonus-point victory over Italy, a heavy defeat against France could see Borthwick’s side pick up the wooden spoon for the first time.
With one game remaining, the Six Nations is gearing up for a breathtaking final act to win it all.
