Harry Ellis scored two tries as England punished comical Italian errors in a 36-11 victory in the opening Six Nations rugby game on Saturday.

Recalled to the team after an injury to Danny Care, the scrumhalf scored two breakaway tries, while flyhalf Andy Goode, inside centre Riki Flutey and winger Mark Cueto also scored.

Goode, who also returned to the team after two years out, kicked four conversions and a penalty for a personal tally of 16 points.

Italy coach Nick Mallett's decision to let flanker Mauro Bergamasco play scrumhalf on his 70th appearance didn't work.

He made frequent errors and England raced to a 19-0 first-half lead due entirely to Italy mistakes rather than impressive play by Martin Johnson's team.

A second try to Ellis stretched England's lead to 29-6 in the second half before a late surge by Italy was rewarded by Mirco Bergamasco's try seven minutes from the end.

England had two players, flanker James Haskell and replacement flyhalf Shane Geraghty, sent to the sin bin.

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