England vs Italy Six Nations match preview: What time does it start and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the Six Nations clash at Twickenham this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonathan Joseph and George Kruis are set to win their first Twickenham starts against Italy on Saturday after England coach Stuart Lancaster named an unchanged side.
Joseph keeps his place in the midfield after an encouraging Six Nations debut in Cardiff, which he capped off with a scintillating solo try in the second half. Kruis is also set to win his second Six Nations cap after emulating his impressive autumn form in last Friday night's victory.
The England bench also remains unchanged. Lancaster has resisted the temptation to recall Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt, after the duo returned to training this week.
Geoff Parling was expected to return to the match-day squad as second-row cover, at the expense of Nick Easter or Tom Croft. But the British and Irish Lions lock has failed to recover from a knee injury.
Last week, England’s injury-depleted outfit surprised many by overpowering a settled Wales side at the Millennium Stadium but this Saturday they are expected to record a routine victory of the Azzurri.
Since Lancaster took over in 2012, England have finished second in every Six Nations championship and after losing last year’s title to Ireland on points difference, they will be looking to pile on the points at home against the wooden spoon holders.
Jacques Brunel has made four changes to the side that were beaten by Ireland last Saturday, as Italy look to register their first Test-match triumph over England.
Mauro Bergamasco is set to win his 101st cap, after he was recalled to replace the injured Alessandro Zanni in the back row. Alberto De Marchi returns to the front row at the expense of Matias Aguero while Joshua Furno drops to the bench to make way for former captain Marco Bortolami, who will play his 111th Test.
Bortolami and Bergamasco will pack down with two more centurions, as Martin Castrogiovanni will claim his 109th cap and captain Sergio Parisse will his 110th, with Italy’s starting pack boasting a grand total of 542 caps.
Michele Campagnaro’s injury has prompted Brunel to reshuffle his backline. Luca Morisi shifts to outside centre to replace Campagnaro, while Andrea Masi moves from full back to inside centre. Luke Mclean switches to full back as Giovanbattista Venditti starts on the left wing.
The experienced Italians defended resolutely in Rome last Saturday and kept Ireland from crossing over for just over an hour, despite a distinct lack of possession. But Ireland’s superior fitness proved the difference as they pulled away in the final quarter and England will be confident that they can also kick on in the closing stages, after their relentless second-half showing in Cardiff.
TEAMS:
England: Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Dave Attwood, George Kruis; James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Nick Easter, Tom Croft, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees.
Italy: Luke McLean; Leonardo Sarto, Luca Morisi, Andrea Masi, Giovanbattista Venditti; Kelly Haimona, Edoardo Gori; Alberto DeMarchi, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni; George Biagi, Marco Bortolami; Francesco Minto, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: Andrea Manici, Matias Aguero, Dario Chistolini, Joshua Furno, Samuela Vunisa, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan, Giulio Bisegni
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 14.30
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Italy 11 England 52, Six Nations, March 2014
England 18 Italy 11, Six Nations, March 2013
Italy 15 England 19, Six Nations, February 2012
STATS:
England have won all 20 of their previous meetings with Italy
England's starting XV contains 373 caps while Italy’s has 782
Italy have won just one of their last 12 Test matches
ODDS:
England to win: 1.005
Italy to win: 17.0
Draw: 46.0
CLASSIC MOMENTS/MATCH:
England made two first-half errors which gifted Italy with two tries in as many minutes. The hosts lead 15-6 and as the snow began to fall, the men in white looked lost. England ventured forward and were once again turned over in Italian territory, but when Andrea Masi went to clear his lines, Charlie Hodgson pounced on him, charged down the kick, collected the loose ball and scored to give England a lifeline. Owen Farrell slotted the conversion and two more penalties to give England the win.
TV: Live on BBC 1 at 14.30
NatWest are proud to support Rugby. Current account customers can win exclusive rugby experiences. It’s not who you know, it’s who you bank with. Visit natwest.com/rugbyrewards
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments