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The crazy odds one bookie has against England's losing to Italy and 4 other major talking points
England are looking to rebuild their Guinness Six Nations title defence when they host Italy on Saturday.
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Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the Twickenham showdown.
Right on the money
Eddie Jones has guaranteed England are ready for Italy, declaring “we’re right on the money”. It comes after the highest-paid coach in international rugby returned to a well-worn theme following the Calcutta Cup catastrophe by blaming himself for failing to adequately prepare the team to face Scotland. Defeat by the Azzurri is unthinkable – one bookmaker views England as 1/1000 favourites – so overwhelming evidence that the Scots’ first victory at Twickenham since 1983 was just a blip is required.
Missed opportunity
Perhaps sensing that confidence has been depleted by the opener, Jones has turned to his tried and tested against an Italy side containing a mere 224 caps. Ollie Lawrence has been dropped despite touching the ball just once against Scotland, his brutal omission necessary to make way for the George Ford and Owen Farrell axis. Ben Youngs is undisputed first choice scrum-half, but Dan Robson and Harry Randall must be asking why they are being overlooked for a start. Jack Willis and Ben Earl remain on a bench where evidence of England’s conservatism under Jones is provided in the form of a six-two split between forwards and backs – against comfortably the Six Nations’ weakest side.
Farrell’s moment
Jones’ England are built around Farrell, making his decline in form a deep concern. His coach says he will not be dropped on the strength of one poor game against Scotland, but in reality his influence on play has been waning over a far longer period. At his best the Saracens playmaker is world class, a proven matchwinner who drives England onwards through force of will, but this current incarnation is struggling to hit the right note in defence and attack. Saturday’s game is a chance to accelerate out of the doldrums.
. @SaleSharksRugby MacGinty is maybe uniquely qualified to run the rule over the No10s Eddie Jones could be selecting rather than sticking with Ford n' Faz.
– writes @chrisjonespress 👨💻https://t.co/LkJvlHJGWZ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 12, 2021
Taking a knee
An important message is getting lost amid its chaotic implementation. Sixteen England players took a knee against Scotland in support of the fight against racism, while only four of the visitors performed the gesture. Responding to criticism over how few of his Calcutta Cup heroes chose to recognise the anti-racism movement, Gregor Townsend revealed they had not been told of England’s plans. Before the other two round-one games, no player took a knee. The Six Nations says it is a matter of personal choice, but the inconsistent approach is a bad look for the tournament.
"To see people on social media try to discredit its importance – I can’t let that slide"https://t.co/Da5AEzcRlB
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 11, 2021
Azzurri blues
Italy’s sequence of 28 consecutive Six Nations defeats is a blight on the Championship and as 80-1 underdogs it would take the biggest upset in red rose history for that run to come to an end on Saturday. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has added his voice to calls for the introduction of promotion and relegation into the tournament via a play-off game, most likely against Georgia, stating that Italy are “just not good enough to compete at this level”. It is hard to argue otherwise.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
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