SALE Sharks stars Jason Robinson and Chris Jones helped world champions England to a memorable win against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Robinson bagged a hat-trick of tries in the 50-9 win, with Jones coming off the bench to notch one of his own in the second half.

The man they call Billy Whizz showed his customary turn of pace to skin the Italian defence three times between the 23d and 65th minutes of the game from his new position of outside centre.

Jones, making his first appearance in an England shirt showed alertness to dive over in injury time after Matt Dawson created the opportunity.

The performance may have earned the 23-year-old a starting position in the back row for Saturday's Calcutta Cup match with Scotland, as coach Clive Woodward looks for cover for the injured flanker Joe Worsley.

Meanwhile, Sharks travel to Northampton Saints on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing performance against Gloucester.