Mixed feelings for Mallett

Italy coach Nick Mallett has expressed his disappointment after watching his side come within a whisker of shocking the rugby world on Sunday.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has expressed his disappointment after watching his side come within a whisker of shocking the rugby world at the Stadio Flaminio on Sunday.

The Azzurri put in a spirited second forty minutes in Rome – winning the period 13-3 – as England struggled to close out a game for the second week running.

But Mallett, who was taking charge of his first home international, had mixed feelings after game as a huge sense of pride was niggled by slight disappointment.

“I was just a bit frustrated about the way we played in the first-half,” he told BBC Sport.

“It's very early on in my time with this Italian side and it was a pity that they didn't play in the first half with the liberty and freedom that we did in the second.

“I think we were knocked badly back by that charge-down kick, we lost a lineout and the ball bounced nicely for England.”

The World Cup finalists started the game in a frantic fashion with tries from Paul Sackey and Toby Flood adding to Jonny Wilkinson's milestone boot.

Yet, the Italians resumed after the break in scintillating form as the balance of the game swung dramatically in favour of the hosts.

“Being 20-6 down at half-time is a bit difficult and I think some Italian sides in the past might have lost by 45 today,” added Mallett.

“But I was very, very proud with the way they played in the second half.

“We held onto the ball, went through quite a few phases, and put England under quite a bit of pressure and played some good rugby.

“There was an important line-out (five metres out) that depressed me with Borthwick defending very well.

“If we'd have got that then I think we might have been able to sneak a try there.”