[2025 Six Nations] England vs Italy - 9/3/25

[TRF_Olyy]

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

The game of the weekend is fast approaching.

 

[spartan32]

Opening gambit. Someone needs to give Genge a slap and reality check. If he really cant understand why England fans were less than impressed with the 1 point win over Scotland he needs words. Moving onto Italy. Quite simply we need to completely smash them. Not only to have any chance of being in the running come the last weekend, but to start setting a standard that as fans, we can get behind. I understand that not all games can be flowing champagne rugby. Sometimes the conditions play a part, or a style of the opposition etc. But against Italy there will be little excuse not to keep the ball in hand and play heads up rugby. Let the Smiths stretch their legs. Actually get the ball into the hands of Lawrence and get him carving up the middle. Lets get wingers involved. On that front I do wonder what the back 3 will be. One has to assume Freeman and Smith, but Slightholme had a bit of a shocker against Scotland and Daly really rather showed him up I thought. Could we see Daly start on the wing instead, or another winger altogether come in.

You've also gotta believe that JVP is at least going to get a Bench spot for this one. Other then that I cant see why we would need to change anything else bar injury.

The next two games have to be critical for the entire coaching team. Win convincingly and they may win a reprieve and we will then wait for the AAs to see if a corner has indeed been turned. Scrape wins, or worse still, lose to either Italy or Wales, and you've gotta hope time will be up and more experienced and competent hands will be sought out?!

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Daily Mail say Dingwall to start. M Smith on the bench and Slade dropped entirely.

Marcus Smith to be benched for England's Six Nations clash with Italy

Mail Sport understands that Marcus Smith is to be demoted to a bench role against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday, while Slade is in danger of being omitted from the match-day 23 altogether.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Don't hate a new 12 and Smith on the bench - do hate the idea of Daly starting for England in the year of our Lord 2025, though

Really would've liked Roebuck to get a start, don't think Sleightholme's really cemented his spot and was targeted a lot vs Scotland - though I imagine he'll keep the shirt, especially if Dingwall comes in

 

[OllyM97]

Watch Italy push us close after France put 70-odd on them. I'm expecting a tight game. People who think we're winning by 30+ points are deluded. I've got this scenario in my head where they stay in the game until HT and then typical England indiscipline and brainless play kicks in. I don't think we'll be convincing.

 

[BrokenWing]

I've not seen anyone saying England will put 30 points on Italy.

Popular opinion will be very much what you've said.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, my guess is an OK win (maybe around 10pts) but never really feeling that comfortable

 

[Scotty]

Don't hate a new 12 and Smith on the bench - do hate the idea of Daly starting for England in the year of our Lord 2025, though

Really would've liked Roebuck to get a start, don't think Sleightholme's really cemented his spot and was targeted a lot vs Scotland - though I imagine he'll keep the shirt, especially if Dingwall comes in

No issue with Slade out and a 12 in...at 12, sounds good to me although never been fully sold on Dingwall but I wonder if we will go 5 3 bench? Given if that centre partners ship is not going well defensively we're screwed, suppose we would bring Freeman to 13 and Smith to FB. But I'm surprised we don't got Slade at 23.

We went 6 2 vs Scotland and gave our 20 2 min off the bench so what's the point of a 6 2.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

England behind then JVP to come on win the game

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Six Nations 2025: England v Italy - Marcus Smith drops to bench with Elliot Daly at 15

Elliot Daly will start ahead of Marcus Smith at full-back for England's match against Italy on Sunday, with the Harlequins playmaker dropped to the bench.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[TRF_Olyy]

It's fine,
Really disappointed Roebuck isn't in the 23, barring injury (probably injuries, I imagine Daly would start ahead of him) this means he's not playing this 6N

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

It's fine,
Really disappointed Roebuck isn't in the 23, barring injury (probably injuries, I imagine Daly would start ahead of him) this means he's not playing this 6N

You do have to feel for Mr Roebuck, real shame he hasn't made the 23 at least once. Quality operator.

 

[McTallshort]

Has CCS really made enough impact off the bench recently to justify his selection?

 

[Protalus rampart]

I'm not entirely convinced Dingwall has justified his selection as if Borthwick wanted to swap out Slade and Smith it would've made more sense to put Daly into the centres with Lawrence and bring Roebuck into the back 3 imo. I'm sure Borthwick's energised media conferences will help me understand the long term vision though…

 

[Protalus rampart]

Yeah, my guess is an OK win (maybe around 10pts) but never really feeling that comfortable

Bookies have England at -22.5 currently. Seems a little generous…

 

[Saintjay]

Pleased for Jamie George. Pretty tough to get a 100 England caps especially when Hartley was around at first. The Mrs favourite player on the basis he looks like he rocked up for a Vets game.

 

[Which Tyler]

The good:
Dingwall for Slade
JvP for Randall

The questionable:
Daly for MSmith
No rest for TCurry

The bad:
6:2 bench
Which doesn't even have a lock on it

 

[Wasps92]

I'm actually quite happy with that XV. A lot of the backs obviously play together at Northampton which will hopefully aid cohesion

Hopefully Slade's time is done. I'm fed up of him.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Dingwall is the saints defensive backs lead so shouldn't have any issues there. He can also bang people when needed but the question will be can he stand up when needed to international rugby.

Also interested to see if we box kick every 2 phases or play or if we are actually allowed to play rugby.