Italy no obstacle to confident England

Every year since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000 the England coach has warned they are a threat. Each time his team have followed up by handing out an annual thrashing.

Andy Robinson, like Clive Woodward before him, maintained the theme this week, having been given fresh ammunition by Italy's impressive efforts against Ireland last week.

"Rome is never an easy place to play," said Robinson of a venue where England have averaged more than 50 points a game in their three previous championship visits.

"Pierre Berbizier is a smart coach and he's got a team playing who are very comfortable with the ball."

Having done his bit for championship harmony, Robinson then allowed himself to slip back to reality when he added: "You have to be confident.

"We've done our homework but we have to focus on ourselves. Italy have scored tries against us and I expect them to put us under the cosh but we must play our own game."

By the time England played Italy last season the world champions had already lost to Wales, France and Ireland and their 39-7 Twickenham victory was their worst against the Italians since an awkward World Cup qualifier in 1998.

This time they travel to Rome in a totally different frame of mind, having followed up their promising November displays with an excellent 47-13 victory over champions Wales.

The only change from that side is the introduction of Tom Voyce for Josh Lewsey at fullback, a change made 22 minutes into the Wales game anyway when Lewsey injured a shoulder.

Italy are still seething from what they consider the refereeing error that contributed to their 26-16 defeat in Dublin when Irish wing Tommy Bowe's dubious try was not referred to the video umpire.

The forwards delivered their usual committed efforts and there was also a definite step up in the backplay and in the whole team's concentration.

However, once again they have been left looking for the positives from a brave defeat and, with back-to-back games against England and France on the horizon, are in danger of losing any confidence gained from their encouraging display.

Playing Today

France vs Ireland 14:30
Italy vs England 17:00

Tomorrow
Wales vs Scotland 16:00