Eddie Jones’s first victory as England head coach was notable for the bullocking efforts of Billy Vunipola, a sterling 80-minute shift from tighthead Dan Cole, well-finished tries from George Kruis and Jack Nowell, and a promising Test debut in the final quarter from Jack Clifford. It was never going to be a pretty contest and the strength England were able to deploy off the bench also boded well. Whether George Ford and Owen Farrell are a long–term 10–12 Test combination remains open to debate – more evidence is required – but this result will give England’s players a substantial confidence boost. Beat Italy and Jones’s side would then have two subsequent home games against Ireland and Wales in which to reinforce their title credentials. They will certainly want to avoid losing twice to the Welsh at Twickenham inside six months. Robert Kitson