A new era looms large for English rugby with the Red Roses heading to Rome with a vastly different squad that made it to the World Cup semi-final. Darry Worthington previews.
2024 Six Nations
Italy v England
Saturday 3 February 2024 | 16:15
Lying in wait for England is an Italian outfit that will be desperate to recover from a poor World Cup campaign that was closed out by damaging defeats to New Zealand (96-17) and France (60-7).
Will a new-look English outfit impress against the perennial wooden spoonists or will Italy put the ghosts of last year’s World Cup behind them with an impressive showing?
To Win Match
Italy 57/10 | Draw 40/1 | England 1/10
Handicap
Italy (+15.5) 9/10 | England (-15.5) 9/10
2023 was supposed to be something special for the Italians, but alas it was not to be as they lost all their Six Nations fixtures and bowed out of the World Cup with two disheartening defeats to Tier 1 opponents.
Following the heavy losses and a pool phase exit, veteran coach Kieran Crowley was shown the exit door with former Argentine International and Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada handed the reins. Despite their poor showing in 2023, Quesada actually inherits a decent squad from Crowley with Sebastian Negri, Paolo Garbisi, Tomasso Menoncello, Monty Ioane and Ange Capuzzo all very tidy players who have produced on the international stage.
The return of Tomasso Menoncello is a massive boost for the Azzurri. The young centre was one of Italy’s standout players at last year’s Six Nations but missed out on the World Cup due to injury and he’ll be eager to remind the world of his talent this weekend.
While Italy have a rather settled squad and haven’t too many injuries headed into this one, the same can’t be said of the English who are missing some of their stalwarts through injury, retirement and sabbaticals.
Former skipper Owen Farell is on a hiatus from international rugby. With the outbound Saracens man off the international scene at the minute the keys to the English backline will be handed to the more attack-minded Marcus Smith.
The Harlequins man has been waiting in the shadows of Farrell for a couple years now but this may be the worst time for him to take over with in-form centre Ollie Lawrence ruled out through injury while Manu Tuilangi has missed out on the squad.
These two big ball carriers are perfect ‘bailout’ options for Smith if there’s nothing on due to the defence rushing or reading the play. Without them, Smith and the English backs may find it hard to get over the gainline.
Farell’s absence has also seen a change in captaincy with veteran hooker Jamie George set to lead the side. His experience will be crucial with a handful of uncapped players called up to the English squad.
Verdict: Italy (+15.5) 9/10
I reckon this one will be tight with England starting a mammoth rebuild. Money on the Italians keeping it within the handicap this weekend.
