Stuart Lancaster: 'England needed a rev up at half time'

Stuart Lancaster singled out Jonathan Joseph for his performance in England's 47-17 victory over Italy this afternoon.

The hosts trailed early on, but recovered to score six tries and continue their unbeaten start to the Six Nations.

However, the England head coach believes that his side needed to improve after the interval and had to give them a half time "rev up".

Lancaster told BBC Sport: "It was a soft try we conceded first up. At half-time we give them a rev up, said we needed to up the intensity, and I think we did that in the second half.

"We were a little bit off on the back of last week, but we need to be better than that. Slightly disappointed that we didn't do a bit better but I'm really pleased for Jonathan Joseph. He's having a great season so far and I'm delighted for him."

England face a potential title decider when they tackle the much-fancied Ireland in Dublin in a fortnight.