England

Their performance was encapsulated by a superb hat-trick by recalled centre Jonathan Joseph.

Joseph was dropped for the Italy game two weeks ago but marked his return with an impressive display.

Danny Care got two tries, Anthony Watson and Billy Vunipola one each and the peerless Owen Farrell kicked 26 points as England chalked up their highest score and joint-biggest win in 146 years of the oldest fixture in international rugby to retain the title with a game to spare.

The 24-year-old British and Irish Lions tour certainty had been out since November with a knee injury, but he showed no ill effects in a 72-minute performance in Saracens'  35-27 win over the Newcastle Falcons on Monday (NZ Time)

Vunipola's display had English media outlets speculating that he could be recalled to Eddie Jones' England squad for next Sunday's Six Nations game against Scotland.

Saracens built up a big lead at Newcastle before the Falcons rallied with two late tries before stalling in their bid to win two bonus points.

The 18-year-old is making rapid gains in Britain, starring for the England under-20 team and already being talked off as a future test player.

The son of former Samoan player, Mike Umaga, Jacob was born in Britain after his family moved there.

He's a No 10 who can play centre and he's making rapid gains, having also played for England at under-18s and touch rugby. He's now with the Wasps club.

He loves his Polynesian roots but plays down his famous surname.

"A few people put more pressure on me because of the name," Umaga told the Daily Mail.

The Azzurri refused to engage in rucks as the home side won 36-15 at Twickenham.

taly's plan, masterminded by defence coach Brendan Venter, left no offside line after a tackle allowing the Italians to crowd the England backline.

England boss Eddie Jones criticised Italy's tactics, and said law-makers should have a "very close look at it".

A spokesperson for World Rugby told the BBC it could 'clarify' the law, rather than drastically change it.

England remain on course for back-to-back Six Nations grand slams but celebrations will be muted after they produced their worst performance under Eddie Jones.

RNZ reports it is a 17th game unbeaten for England who can draw level with the All Blacks record of 18 when they take on Scotland in their next Six Nations game.

Speaking at a media opportunity in Manchester, Bennett also shouldered responsibility for a controversial training camp in Dubai last month being cancelled, saying he did not communicate properly with Super League clubs.

He also said he would not extend his contract with the Rugby Football League before the World Cup, to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October, November and December.

Vunipola has been out since December with a knee injury and had been expected to return for the Twickenham clash on February 26.

That now appears unlikely, although he could feature for Saracens when they take on Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership on Friday as he looks to prove his fitness.

Northampton prop Paul Hill has therefore been retained but Wasps' Matt Mullan has been left out.

RNZ reports England will face South Africa in the final after Australia were well beaten by the Blitzboks 26-12 in the second semi-final.

The All Blacks Sevens and England played out a low scoring match marked by ruthless defence, as two teams that rely on power over pace struggled to break a second half deadlock.

Regan Ware scored the opening try and was then denied a second after a lob pass from Tim Mikkelson was ruled forward.

Phil Burgess answered with a try for England giving them parity 5-5 at half-time.

RNZ reports Lampard, who started his career at West Ham United, established himself as one of Europe's finest midfield players during a 13-year spell at Chelsea.

"After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer," Lampard said in a statement.

"Whilst I have received a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home and abroad, at 38 I feel now is the time to begin the next chapter in my life.

Kruis, who had only been given the all-clear to face France last week after recovering from a fractured cheekbone, was forced to miss training on Tuesday with the knee injury.

The Saracens lock will see a specialist on Thursday to determine further management of the injury and head coach Eddie Jones is not giving up hope he will be available later in the tournament.

"We'll have to wait and see what the specialist's prognosis is, but we're not ruling him out of the Six Nations at this stage," said Jones.