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

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I'm an advocate of player combinations rather than selecting each position in isolation, with good club combos being a bonus.

The benefit comes from familiarity. If you select combos but then force them to play a way that is unfamiliar, it defeats the purpose. Selecting saints backs to have then do nothing more than chase kicks is a complete waste.

Although Freeman is one of the best kick to compete chasers out there. Sleightholme not so much.

 

[Becca]

Although Freeman is one of the best kick to compete chasers out there. Sleightholme not so much.

I think Sleightholme's been poor thus far.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I think Sleightholme's been poor thus far.

Combination of that hair and Umbro means he's swimming uphill from the start.

Back in the day I remember his old man taking a bit of a pasting when he was caught whistling along to Flower of Scotland during the anthems before a Calcutta Cup match, which he later explained as simply liking the tune.

 

[LIONSxv]

I think Sleightholme's been poor thus far.

Tbf he has been given no service and strengths aren't chasing box kicks. Play Roebuck if that is the intention.

 

[Becca]

Tbf he has been given no service and strengths aren't chasing box kicks. Play Roebuck if that is the intention.

I haven't rated him defensively.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

When taken off vs Scotland he hadn't actually touched the ball, just not good enough from either him looming for work or the rest of the teams attack that was mighty poor.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Although Freeman is one of the best kick to compete chasers out there. Sleightholme not so much.

Which is an argument for selecting Freeman but not a whole host of Saints backs. I have no problem with the Saints backs as a combo if we intend them to play in a similar style to Saints. We don't though and I don't think individually or as a group they may be best suited to whatever SB wants (TBH I think no players are really suited to it as it is such anti-rugby).

 

[Saintjay]

Which is an argument for selecting Freeman but not a whole host of Saints backs. I have no problem with the Saints backs as a combo if we intend them to play in a similar style to Saints. We don't though and I don't think individually or as a group they may be best suited to whatever SB wants (TBH I think no players are really suited to it as it is such anti-rugby).

I'd suspect Borthwick would rather get into figging than utter the words "Right boys go out there and play like you do for Saints".

 

[OllyM97]

It'll be close for most of the game with England winning by 15-20 in the end. In a way it's not good to play Italy after that shambles against France as you'd expect a big response and if it was in Italy then maybe Italy could do something but can't see it at the Allianz.

If this Italian side really are a different team from previous eras then this is when they need to prove it. They can't go under again here, they in all likelihood won't win but they need to be competitive and in the game come the final quarter. There should be wounded pride from conceding 73 points at home and they've had two weeks to stew over it. If they've got anything about them they will physically man up this week. Some of the tries that they let in against France were embarrassingly soft and weak. If Italy get smoked again here then last year was yet another false dawn - I don't think they will though, this will be harder for England than people think.

 

[spartan32]

If this Italian side really are a different team from previous eras then this is when they need to prove it. They can't go under again here, they in all likelihood won't win but they need to be competitive and in the game come the final quarter. There should be wounded pride from conceding 73 points at home and they've had two weeks to stew over it. If they've got anything about them they will physically man up this week. Some of the tries that they let in against France were embarrassingly soft and weak. If Italy get smoked again here then last year was yet another false dawn - I don't think they will though, this will be harder for England than people think.

Firstly "wounded pride" does not magically make a rugby team better or improve their skill set and ability. It my make them more determined, but I cant imagine they went into the French game with a lack of determination, it simply wasn't enough to make up for their lack of core skills and ability. I cant imagine any of the Italian side (except maybe Capuozzo) would make it into the England starting team. So man for man England are a better team. I would also flag the significant weight advantage we have in the Pack, with England 930kg (ish) - Italy 880kg (ish).

Then there is the home advantage for England, with the weather looking pretty excellent for the weekend the home crowd will be in good spirits. With this the last chance to impress at home after the s**t show that was the Scotland game, I would expect England to be pretty fired up and ready to silence some critics. If the crowd get behind the lads Twickenham will feel pretty hostile for the Italians.

In short England have home advantage, perfect playing conditions, a fully fit team stuffed with talented players, a bigger pack and all round more imposing set piece, and hopefully a strong desire to marker down and show what they can do. It is absolutely right to expect that England win this game, and win it well. If they do not it will be down to poor coaching in the lead up, and on the day, and this sadly is the rub. The enemy within. Fingers crossed Itoje can find a way to unshackle the team from the flat nosed grey man and find a way to inspire some quality rugby. But only time will tell.