Haskell honest in victory

England flanker James Haskell admitted that they made it hard for themselves in Rome on Sunday, as they did a week before against Wales.

England flanker James Haskell admitted that they made it hard for themselves in Rome on Sunday, as they did a week before against Wales.

Haskell's reaction mirrored the mood of England supporters at Stadio Flaminio after the World Cup finalists almost blew another commanding lead.

Eight days earlier, they went from 19-6 up against Twickenham visitors Wales to lose by seven points, but here they eventually eclipsed Italy 23-19 after cruising 14 points clear at the break.

Italy 'won' the second period 13-3, moving to within a try of claiming their first victory over England at the 14th attempt.

And although Haskell and company will move on to Paris on Saturday week with a win in the bank, few Red Rose followers can feel optimistic about their chances against a revitalised French outfit under new France coach Marc Lièvremont.

“I thought we made it hard work for ourselves again. We only got three points in the second-half, and we have to address that,” Haskell said.

“When you have a controlling first half, as we did again, it is very difficult to come out for the second half and not build on that.

“I can't answer why that is.

“If you look at it, penalties and turnovers put extra pressure on you. Italy are a good side, and if you give them an inch they will take a mile.

“We had to keep doing what we were doing and be really ruthless, yet we made personal errors and kept putting pressure on ourselves.

“The players are not content with it. We are looking to build leads in games, and we have got a lot of work to do.”