England unchanged for Italy clash

by Adam D Fri 11 Feb 2011, 8:13 am

England manager Martin Johnson has kept faith with the same starting XV that beat Wales in their Six Nations opener for Saturday's match at home to Italy.

The decision means James Haskell is preferred at open-side flanker ahead of specialist number seven Hendre Fourie.

Fourie displaces Wasps veteran Joe Worsley, who appeared as a replacement in Cardiff, on the bench.

Northampton's Tom Wood and number eight Nick Easter complete the back row while Mike Tindall retains the captaincy.

In the backline, Toby Flood has cemented his place as Johnson's first-choice fly-half ahead of World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson, as Shontayne Hape keeps his place at centre.

Despite an apparent focus on a more expansive game since last year's championship during which his side scored six tries, Johnson insists his priorities remain unchanged.

"Number one is a win, number two is no serious injuries and number three is a good game," Johnson said.

"We want to win and from that is how we do it. We're here to win Test matches, let's make no bones about that.

"We know what they're about. They're a good team and a real challenge."

Italian captain and number eight Sergio Parisse will lead a physical forward pack, but England are expected to dominate in the backs

source and full story -bbc website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/9393433.stm

by eirebilly Fri 11 Feb 2011, 8:22 am

Tom Palmer will be key here for England i feel. He had an immence game last week and i feel that he will have to be just as good this weekend. Ireland very nearly slipped up due to some absolutely bizaar actions (or should i say non actions) from Declan Kidney but i think that England wont make the same mistake + they are at home.

Parise remains Italys best player and is one for England to keep an eye on.

Personally i feel that it will be a hard fought forwards battle and a low scoring match but i still feel that it will be England by 10.

England unchanged for Italy clash

England unchanged for Italy clash

Re: England unchanged for Italy clash