England look to continue revival against Italy

Brian Ashton's "new England" laid a solid foundation stone against Scotland last week and now need to produce some eye-catching architecture against Italy today to continue the coach's rebuilding job.

England justified their pre-match confidence by sweeping past the Scots 42-20 at Twickenham and their re-enthused fans will expect an even better show at the same venue against the injury-hit Italians.

England were unrecognisable, in every sense, from the team who banged away with so little invention last November as Ashton's positive selection policy paid immediate dividends.

Jonny Wilkinson hogged the headlines with his 27-point haul on his return but there were positives all over a team which showed 11 changes from former coach Andy Robinson's final throw of the dice against South Africa last November.

Italy were well below their best in losing 39-3 at home to France last week, showing an uncharacteristic lack of heart.

They have lost all seven of their previous Six Nations encounters with England and have shipped an average of 53 points in each of their last three visits to Twickenham.

Ashton and his squad, however, have spent most of the week warning of an Italian backlash.

"We cannot get carried away with one win," Ashton said. "They will come to Twickenham pretty determined to put in a much better performance."

England have only to look back a year to realise that two swallows do not make a summer.

In the 2006 Six Nations they also started with a big home win, 47-13 over Wales, and then won 31-16 in Italy. However, they then went down to Scotland, France and Ireland to finish fourth in the championship and spark a seven-game losing run.

The Six Nations will reach its first turning point when Ireland host holders France in an historic game at Dublin's Croke Park tomorrow.

In the sanctuary of Gaelic sport, whose white line has never been crossed by a rugby union team, France coach Bernard Laporte is expecting "a hellish game".

Both teams approach the game with an away win under their belt after Ireland defeated Wales 19-9 and France crushed Italy 39-3 last weekend.

"This game is a turning point for the Irish and for us. If we win, we'll have good cards in hand, if they win they will be in control because they will host England, so we have to win," Laporte said.

France won the last four encounters but almost blew it last year at the Stade de France when, leading 43-3 after scoring six tries, they conceded four tries and 28 points and survived a frenetic final quarter to win 43-31.

Tomorrow, Ireland should have one more trump card as the game will be played at Croke Park in front of around 80,000 - double the size of Lansdowne Road - and famed for its passion and its particular role in the Irish struggle for independence.

Playing Today

England vs Italy 2.30 p.m.; Scotland vs Wales 4.30 p.m.

Tomorrow

Ireland vs France 4.00 p.m.