Joseph's 3 tries lead England to 40-9 win at Italy in 6N

ROME (AP) Jonathan Joseph scored three second-half tries and England overcame a sluggish first half for a comfortable 40-9 win over Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday.

The victory stretched England's perfect record over the Azzurri to 22 wins.

England had only a two-point lead when Joseph intercepted a pass from Leonardo Sarto and waltzed in for his first try.

Five minutes later, near the hour mark, the England center got his second following a perfect kick from Danny Care.

Joseph's hat trick try came when he dragged three defenders over the line in the 71st.

George Ford had England's only try of the first half, while Owen Farrell added another in the closing minutes and also kicked for 12 points.