The flanker scored twice in a first half which also featured a Finn Carnduff try as the visitors went in 22-6 in front at the break.

Pollock set up Josh Bellamy to seal England’s bonus point and though Valerio Siciliano responded for Italy, the Northampton Saints prospect completed the scoring by sealing his treble late on.

The two sides exchanged penalties early on in Treviso, Sean Kerr punishing early Italian indiscipline in front of their own posts before Martino Pucciarello levelled when his opposite number Rory Taylor was penalised for offside.

Pucciarello put Italy 6-3 in front following a scrum infringement from the visitors but England hit back instantly through Pollock, who ran in unchallenged after full-back Ben Redshaw found a gap in the home defence.

An excellent clearance kick from Lorenzo Casilio took Italy from one 22 to the other as they sought a response but the visiting defence held firm and soon added to their lead, Pollock this time with a fine individual effort which Kerr again added the extras to.

A neat move on the stroke of half time saw England stretch their lead, Toby Cousins releasing captain Finn Carnduff to cross in the corner on the left.

Italy started the second half on top but were unable to turn their pressure into points, which England capitalised on shortly after the hour mark.

Pollock was again instrumental, taking a quick tap penalty and releasing replacement Bellamy to go over from close range and seal England’s bonus point.

Italy scored the try their second half performance deserved when Siciliano profited from a dominant lineout as the home pack showed their muscle.

But it was from a similar method that England rounded off the evening in style, Pollock the man to benefit from the set piece as he powered through for a third time to conclude an emphatic statement of intent from Mark Mapletoft's side.