6 Nations 2012: Italy VS England (Round 2)

6 Nations 2012: Italy VS England (Round 2)

England has announced an unchanged 22 ahead of this weekend’s game in Italy, Round 2 of the RBS 6 Nations 2012. Stuart Lancaster feels the 22 as a unit performed well and is presenting them with an opportunity to gel and build on the promise they illustrated in their victory over Scotland, in the first round of the 6 Nations campaign.

Stuart Lancaster admits that there were some difficult decisions regarding the starting XV, no more so than considering the back row combination. Phil Dowson has been given another opportunity to improve upon his debut in international rugby, at the expense of Ben Morgan receiving his first start. Another avoiding the axe has been Ben Youngs; holding off the challenge from Lee Dickson who is now vying for a starting berth.

Although continuity is good to see, there are sure to be changes in the ensuing weeks with Toby Flood and Manu Tuilagi looking to be available for Wales at Twickenham in two weeks. Furthermore, Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes will be back and in contention for selection when they regain fitness by the finale of the 6 Nations. Making changes this week could depict a situation where Lancaster cannot settle on a starting XV; a feature he does not want advertise on his ‘extended job interview’ as interim manager.

The continuity does validate to the players Lancaster’s trust in them, but including the adage that there is only one more trial game. However, if players are not answering the critics, an example would be Dowson struggling against Parisse, I would like to see Ben Morgan placed at No. 8 as soon as possible. Preferably, it would be good to see a big 40 minutes from either player.

Overall from England I would like to see more competence at the breakdown and at the set piece in looking after the ball whilst it is in their possession.

England XV @ Italy: Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, David Strettle, Charlie Hodgson, Ben Youngs; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Mouritz Botha, Tom Palmer, Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw, Phil Dowson.

England Replacements @ Italy: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Mike Brown.

Italy have made two changes to their starting XV that lost in France in the first round of the RBS 2012 6 Nations campaign. Marco Bortolami comes in at lock, Gonzalo Canale comes in at inside centre, and Mauro Bergamasco makes a return to the international arena from the bench, as Jacques Brunel prepares to entertain England this weekend.

Italy will be looking to build on their promising first 40 minutes against France; translating it into an 80 minute performance against an English side that is very much in transition. With Jacques Brunel announcing a squad with over 700 caps to beat an inexperienced English side; he will also be looking for them to be inspired by the home support at the sold out Olympic stadium.

Italy XV against England: Masi, Venditti, Benvenuti, Canale, McLean, Burton, Gori; Lo Cicero, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni, Geldenhuys, Bortolami, Zanni, Barbieri, Parisse.

Italy Replacements against England: D'Apice, Cittadini, Pavanello, Bergamasco, Semenzato, Botes, Morisi.