“We were a little bit rusty but it was good to get a win in the first one and now we can move on to our next game.

“We always talk about building on the ladder and that game was the first step for us – we want to keep improving as the weekend goes on, step by step and game by game.

“It’s a really good turnout and I’m glad the whole crowd are behind us. It’s always nice to hear the old ‘Swing Low’ ringing round the ground.”

Although Italy made most of the early running, the England defence held firm and Norton counter-attacked after three minutes, demonstrating his considerable pace from deep inside his own 22 to blaze away and cross in the corner.

Bibby then produced an exquisite pass out of the back of his hand a minute before the break to start a move which ended with Lahmert touching down for a 10-0 lead at the interval.

Guarducci dived over two minutes into the second half to give the Italian fans something to cheer but Alex Gray’s pass between his legs freed Bibby to dot down a minute from time before he added the conversion as the cherry on top.

England will face Lithuania next at 4.02pm.

The Rugby Europe Sevens at Sandy Park, catch them if you can! July 11 & 12. Tickets available from the Exeter Chiefs box office across the weekend.