After the positive result against Wales at Twickenham a week earlier, I, like most, expected England to go to Rome and
put on a show full of verve. Unfortunately the performance failed to live up to expectations and ultimately, England will have to take satisfaction in maintaining their 100 per cent record.
It was a disjointed display from start to finish and Italy deserve a great deal of credit for disrupting England’s rhythm. The Azzurri never allowed the team in white to settle and with a vociferous home crowd behind them, Italy grew in confidence as the game went on.
The usually nerveless Jonny Wilkinson epitomised the haphazard nature of the performance with a kicking display completely out of context with his high standards. Wilkinson only succeeded in three of his six attempts at goal and this was the first time he’d missed a kick, having started a Six Nations game, since 2003. A late drop kick spared England’s blushes, but they should have been out of sight before then.
Things started positively enough. The returning Riki Flutey injected some pace and penetration into the backline and he found a willing companion in Ugo Monye. Both men made significant breaks during a low scoring first half but the support play was badly lacking and the attacking impetus was snuffed out by the Italians with ease.
The second half started brightly for England, perhaps a result of some stern words at half time from Martin Johnson. After some good work by the impressive Nick Easter, the ball ended up with Delon Armitage who in turn passed it on to Monye, breaking one tackle before popping it inside for Matthew Tait. A perfectly timed run gave him the required momentum to scamper over the line for a much needed try.
That was as good as it got for England and Italy, thanks to the unconventional but effective kicking of Mirco Bergamasco, made them sweat before Wilkinson’s drop goal gave England some breathing space. That took the score to 17-12 and that’s the way it finished.
It was by no means vintage England but they got the job done and as the competition takes a two-week break, Johnson will be happy with the state of the table.
Despite the Italy display I still believe England have what it takes to win the Grand Slam. It may not have been pretty but it’s the ability to grind out a win that so often determines the destination of the Six Nations crown.
One aspect of England’s game that I feel needs improvement is the way they approach the opening exchanges. We’ve been a little tentative in the early stages against both Wales and Italy. If the forwards can assert some early dominance when Ireland arrive at Twickenham on Saturday week, it will give the backs the confidence to play with freedom and put some early points on the board.
While England contemplate their next fixture, I’ll be back in the saddle as the Dallaglio Cycle Slam enters its second stage. Along with some dedicated friends, I’m cycling 2,800km from Rome to Murrayfield, taking in Paris, Twickenham, Cardiff and Dublin along the way. A crazy idea I know, however it’s all in aid of Sport Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation so well worth the physical challenge. Follow my progress on www.dallagliocycleslam.com
I’ll assess the Ireland match-up next week but with two games down England are still very much in the mix and after a tricky autumn we couldn’t really have asked for anything more.
Lawrence Dallaglio is rugby ambassador for Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of England Rugby. To find your nearest Official England Rugby Supporter Pub visit www.greenekingipa.co.uk
on the England jersey suddenly looks all the more rosier. The perfect way to celebrate 100 years of England Rugby at Twickenham.
