By Kath
March 11 2013

England got a big 'Wake Up Call' on Saturday against Italy.  Having said that let's not take anything away from Italy, who played out of their skins. Who have improved so much since last year and who now are a real worry to all other Six Nations sides.   Good Luck to them against Ireland next week

RBS Six Nations  2013

Post Match Thoughts

England 18 v 11 Italy

England however, need a good swift kick up the bum!  Where do you start with a match like that?  

Well let's start with the 'gobby' Toby Flood - his goal kicking was excellent but to touch was woeful.   AND.....  why the *&*& did he not pass left to the two players clear .........but no he saw the red mist come down going for the line.  I was not impressed with his performance at all and he must have been the only player still cocky enough to agree to go before the cameras after this diabolical performance. Aggghhh

Ashton was again way off the mark.  Thought Ben Youngs coming on made a huge difference, I like Danny Care but his box kicking is not as good as Youngs.  I thought Mike Brown was excellent today and almost had a try.  Thought Tom Croft did very well on his return and once again Alex Goode solid.  

                                             Englands Mike Brown chases the ball  - All Pictures Empics

                           England's Mike Brown makes a break during the RBS Six Nations match at Twickenham  All Pictures Empics

                     England's Alex Goode is tackled by Italys Davide Giazzon (left) and Lorenzo Cittadini

However, overall a second string performance, tackles once again being bounced off and there seemed to be no awareness at times of the opposition and the scrum needs work.   Italy's scrum was excellent and give England a real hard time and their performance in the second half was immense.  I honestly thought they would grow weary and England would finally start to play - 'pigs might fly'  The only team to score a TRY - Well done Italy!

                        Italy celebrate a try during the RBS Six Nations match at Twickenham

At one point my other half said I had gone white in the face....... It was total shock that this England team could put in such a dreadful performance.  Yes they won but really can I ask did anyone enjoy that?

As I said on the message board 'Wales will be licking their lips now'  England need to put out their first string of players and start focusing.   And some players need to stop thinking of the Lions and get on with demonstrating what they can do for the fans and England Rugby.

I do have other thoughts but they are not printable.

These pictures say it all really

                                           England's Chris Ashton and Joe Marler leave the field

                                         England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster (right) and Owen Farrell