England vow not to underestimate Italy

They may have thumped Italy 59-13 at Twickenham last year but England will not be underestimating the Azzurri at the Stadio Olim-pico today.

The hosts will be making their Six Nations debut at the Eternal City’s famous old stadium in front of a 72,000 sell-out crowd and that in itself is enough to leave the English feeling wary. That and their struggles to overcome a limited Scotland outfit 13-6 at Murrayfield last weekend.

South African-born England lock Mouritz Botha is sure the reigning Six Nations champions will have their work cut out.

“It will be a big battle in Rome for sure. Italy are one of the sides which has made massive strides over the past few years. They are not a wooden-spoon team anymore,” he said.

But although the visitors, who have named an unchanged line-up, will not be taking their hosts lightly, backs coach Andy Farrell, whose son Owen will start at inside centre, says the holders have nothing to fear.

“We are not concerned about what lies ahead because the culture we are trying to drive gets us in the right place all the time,” Farrell said.

“We know the passion of the Italians. We know they are playing at a new stadium that is going to be full, we know they will want to show what they are about as a rugby nation.

“The size of the challenge is similar to what we met last week.”

Last week, England were often pushed onto the back foot but showed resolve in keeping out a Scotland side that spent periods camped inside the visiting 22.

Italy’s French coach Jacques Brunel is trying to implement a more attacking and adventurous style into his side’s play.

That was evident in their first match in Paris although missed tackles cost them dearly in their 30-12 defeat to France.

Although Brunel intends to keep faith with the more expansive game, he says he isn’t going to be stubborn about it and he wants to avoid the situation Scotland found themselves in, battling away inside England’s 22 but to no reward.

“I’m partisan to playing rugby but sometimes it’s stupid when you just play for that aim,” he said.

“You lose a match that way, you can’t just keep the ball in the 22.

“The Scots were excessive in that respect.”

Playing today

Italy vs England 17.00

France vs Ireland21.00

Tomorrow

Wales vs Scotland16.00