RBS Six Nations 2015

England v Italy

Post Match Thoughts

 Englands George Ford during the 6 Nations match at Twickenham - All Pictures Empics/PA

 England were down 0-5 to Italy within a matter of minutes of the game starting, although I felt very confident that we would win.  That is not the start I want to see from the senior team.   The week before Wales had run away in that first half, I don't like this trend.  However, what if we got ahead and were comfortable going into the second half, would the team sit back and switch off and allow the opposition to come back at them?   

England's  Ben Youngs scores a try during the 6 Nations match at Twickenham

Whilst I don't like this stuttery start, I am happy that they seem to be able to come back in the second half, raise their game and close out the match comfortably.     Again though this is a very dangerous game to be played and one that they could regret against Ireland if they start this way.

All in all,  I felt England played well once they settled into the game.  I thought Robshaw was excellent and well deserving the Rugby World Cup Captaincy. 

England's Chris Robshaw (center)is tackled by Italys Giovambattista Venditti (left) and George Fabio

Vunipola looked good and again Jonathan Joseph.  Also hats off to Danny who came on and within seconds scored a great try, this would seem has finally wetted his appetite to want to stay and play for England.   Fine by me Danny.

England's Jonathan Joseph scores his second try

Englands Danny Cipriani goes over for a try

Good to see Mike Brown survive the awful looking injury, not sure if he will make it to the Ireland game though, we shall see.   So good day on the turf and leading the top of the RBS Six Nations table.   Such fun!

BUT and it is a big but......... must do a lot better against Ireland, otherwise we will be mashed.

My Man of the Match was this little fella........... 

England mascot Harry Westlake sings the national athem before the 6 Nations match at Twickenham

England have retained 17 players for the remainder of the training week at Pennyhill Park.   The starting XV from the game against Italy along with Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby) and Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) will train on Wednesday and Thursday before the whole squad re-assembles on Monday, February 23.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "We have reviewed the Italy match this morning with the whole squad and, while we were pleased to score six tries and win by 30 points, we all know there is plenty to work on.

"We will release some players back to their clubs this evening as it will be a good opportunity for them to play for their clubs on a big Aviva Premiership weekend and before we get together ahead of the Ireland training week.

"Mike Brown is in in the early days of the graduated return to play protocol and will not be training this week. Geoff Parling, Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes will be released back to their clubs for further assessment and treatment with a view to them resuming training with us next week.”