Jonathan Joseph says England are in pole position for Six Nations title

By Michael Kelleher

Jonathan Joseph scored a second-half hat-trick as England beat Italy 40-9 in the Six Nations in Rome.

Jonathan Joseph has his sights firmly set on the Six Nations title after helping England demolish Italy in Rome.

The Bath centre ran in a hat-trick of tries in the second half as England secured a 40-9 win to move top of the table after two rounds on points difference from France.

Only England and France are still capable of winning the Grand Slam, but tougher assignments await for Eddie Jones' side, with Ireland and Wales scheduled to visit Twickenham in the next two matches.

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"We have a great opportunity now. We've had two away games and we've won both," Joseph said.

Image: England centre Jonathan Joseph scores his second of three tries against Italy

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"We're back in front of our home crowd next and that's massive for us. It's a hard place for teams to come and win. It's about pressuring them and hopefully coming away with the win."

Despite scoring three tries, Joseph was surprisingly overlooked for the man-of-the-match award in favour of scrum-half Ben Youngs but says was happy to see his team-mate pick up the honour after returning to the starting XV in place of Danny Care.

England boss Eddie Jones was pleased with how his side put Italy away in the second-half.

"I just wanted to do my country and family proud. I want to prove myself every game so I put in as much effort as I possibly can," Joseph said.

"It just seemed to fall into place and I was in the right areas to dot down a few tries. Ben definitely deserved the award. Last year he played very well in a few games and I got the awards. I'm happy for him."

Joseph's electric finishing repaid the faith shown by Eddie Jones in the Bath outside centre, who was under pressure for his place from Elliot Daly when the Six Nations began.

Image: Man of the Match Ben Youngs of England celebrates at the end of the game

"Personally I still think I'm a bit off. There are areas I can still get better with the mental side," Joseph, 24, said.

"I want to put my authority on every single game, not just a game here and there. I want to make sure I can perform at a high standard in every game.

"I'm obviously very happy to get the hat-trick. I'll go back to the drawing board next week.

"There were areas of my game that weren't outstanding. I can't remember the last time I scored a hat-trick - my dad will probably remind me!"

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