England will be looking to make it two wins on the trot in the Six Nations when they travel to Rome to face Italy. Join The Roar for live scores from 1:00am (AEDT).
New England coach Eddie Jones has demanded a complete performance from his team this week after they scraped past Scotland in their opening match.
The 15-6 victory away from home was a good one for an England team eager to bounce back from a poor World Cup showing last year on home soil.
Now, Jones is eager for England to give Italy ‘a good hiding’ in Rome, and it will certainly be interesting to see how the Italians respond at home after coming close to upsetting France in their opening Six Nations match at the Stade de France.
But while Italy competed very well against the French, it was clear that France were once again horribly disorganised with their play and this allowed the Italians to dig deep and nearly cause the upset.
England themselves are a far cry from where they need to be if they hope to once again become a world force. With this in mind, today’s contest should remain close despite Jones’ demands for a comfortable victory.
In the 15-6 victory over Scotland, only Billy Vunipola managed to impress significantly for the English, with the rest of the squad struggling to find their best form. In particular, George Ford and Owen Farrell failed to sparkle in attack for the English, with Jones’ men only making three line breaks compared to Scotland’s seven.
England also has to keep an eye on their discipline, or lack thereof. They conceded 12 penalties against Scotland and can ill-afford to concede such a high number against an Italian side that is known for converting penalties.
Prediction
England has potential but it remains to be seen if they will realise it today against an Italian team with plenty of belief following the narrow defeat over France. Italy is a chance of an upset but Jones’ tutelage should guide England to another win.
England by 7.
Will England live up to their favouritism? Or will Italy cause an upset for their first win against England? Join The Roar at 1:00am (AEDT) to keep updated with our live scores.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Both opening results & performances could have come from a Lancaster set up. Jones needs to bring consistency. Three teams coming to Twickenham desperate to knock England off and all likely to raise their game. Should be interesting.
Taylorman
Guest
Good to see my prediction of an English grand slam is on track. France in Paris then Wales at Twickers as a repeat of last year to go, and also Ireland at Twickers makes a tough but very possible run. Jones will have gained much from this win, merely because it's another, away, and a chance to get to know his team better.
dan in devon
Guest
some schoolboy errors by the Italian that allowed England to run away with the game. In the end, the quality of the English bench was too much for Italy. That said, I like the look of the Italian fly half
riddler
Guest
english bench was good.. mix of experience and new blood.. very good second half from the poms and no tries conceded..