Six Nations: Italy v England Talking points

Alex Broun 01:39 04/02/2018
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  • After two outright titles back to back, Eddie Jones’ England are attempting to set a Six Nations’ record by making it three in a row.

    They have the perfect start in Rome taking on hapless Italy but Jones wants no mercy shown.

    How will Maro Itoje hold up?

    He was one of the players of the season last year and his powerful charges and set-piece skill quickly made him a fan favourite for England, the Lions and Saracens.

    Even the Kiwis had nice things to say about him – a sure sign of quality.

    That was what made the broken jaw the 23-year-old suffered playing for Sarries against Harlequins in early December so worrisome.

    Itoje left the field early in the second half with blood pouring from his mouth and was taken to hospital where scans revealed the fracture.

    To get Itoje back on the field for this Six Nations opener he needed nothing short of reconstructive surgery.

    He now has four metal plates in his skull, two in the left side of his jaw and two below his mouth, but insists he is ready for whatever Italy throw at him.

    However good his Superman impression may be Itoje remains very human and as his injury showed against Quins, breakable.

    Watch as he goes into those first big contacts. England will be hoping he doesn’t reel away holding his head.

    Ben Te'o in action for the Lions.

    Ben Te’o in action for the Lions.

    Over to you Te’o

    Eddie Jones has taken the bold step of selecting Ben Te’o ahead of Jonathan Joseph despite the Worcester Warriors outside centre’s near four-month absence with a high ankle sprain.

    Te’o is a destructive ball carrier who will bring a physical edge to England’s midfield, but a question mark hangs over his fitness. This is a two-headed strategy for Jones, using the rampaging centre to make up for a void at No8.

    Te’o’s presence takes on extra importance due to the absence of Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes, England’s most effective sources of momentum.

    Vunipola in particular will be missed and into his shoes steps Sam Simmonds, the lighter yet effective Exeter back row who will be looking to argue his case for inclusion in the next Rugby World Cup squad.

    Conor O'Shea

    Conor O’Shea

    Mischief making Azzurri

    Jones has described Italy as “mischievous” when reflecting on what they might have up their sleeves on Sunday.

    Last year they bamboozled the champions at Twickenham with their controversial ‘ruckless’ tactics and although a law change means that ploy can never be used on a Rugby field again, England are braced for more surprises.

    Italy can be dangerous opening day opponents, ready to spring a surprise when they are at their freshest and least affected by injury.

    England are odds on favourites to leave Rome with a victory from their title defence opener, but in a Six Nations widely tipped to be among the closest yet, securing the bonus point could be critical.

    Conor O’Shea has entered the second year of his reign as Italy coach and while it remains early days, it is hoped this championship will show signs of his ambition to bring greater levels of professionalism to the national team.

    Their place in the Six Nations remains assured despite calls for relegation, but their record of 12 bottom-place finishes in 18 tournaments is a statistic that must be improved.

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