England begin their 2024 Six Nations campaign tomorrow, with expectation high for their opening round match against Italy. In the 30 previous meetings between the two sides, England have never once lost to the Azzurri, with Steve Borthwick’s side eager to put out a statement of intent for the rest of the competition.
Former England wing Chris Ashton believes that it is time for Borthwick’s side to run out an exciting attacking display. Ashton thought that England were pragmatic throughout last year’s Rugby World Cup, with the opening match of the Six Nations presenting an opportunity to try out some new game plans. Speaking to Gambling Zone, Ashton said:
“I think that the England lads will go into this game with something to prove because the team aren’t really fancied to win the tournament. Yes, we got to a World Cup semi-final last year. People say it was an easy draw but we still don’t really know what this team is capable of under Steve Borthwick. It is a good opportunity to lay down an early marker.”
“I think we will see England playing more attack-minded rugby at the Six Nations. Steve had a game plan to get to the semi-finals at the World Cup and then see what happens. Technically, that game plan worked. We were a penalty kick away from getting to a World Cup final, so it was an effective approach from Borthwick. South Africa had no answer to England in the semi-final, apart from some unbelievable scrummages, we were all but through in that game.
“We’ve had such a poor run of results at the Six Nations in previous years that Steve will be fully aware of. He will want to get the combination of playing attractive rugby that the fans want to watch and getting results which is a difficult job to do. Having Italy first up is going to give England an advantage in terms of playing attractive rugby because we can get a game into the team where he can experiment to a certain extent.”
Despite England’s unbeaten record against Italy, there is a lingering worry of an upset being on the cards tomorrow afternoon in Rome. Italy were pushing from strength to strength, as they bring through an exciting generation of talented youngsters, and ended their seven-year wait for a Six Nations win back in 2022. However, the Azzurri have been a mixed bag since then, with a winless 2023 Six Nations and a disappointing Rugby World Cup. Ashton found it hard to predict what to expect from the Italians, especially more so as they now have a new head coach in Gonzalo Quesada.
“Italy have had some really big results in previous Six Nations; they beat Wales in Cardiff in 2022. They had a poor World Cup – that didn’t go well for them at all – so they will want to put that behind them as quickly as possible.
“In the Six Nations, Italy are always capable of springing a surprise. They have a new coach in and have a good group of young players that can cause some damage on their day.
“If we’re going off recent form, then I think that England will have far too much for them, even in Rome. I played in Rome once in the snow and it was awful! It was February and there was half a foot of snow across the pitch, they nearly got us that day. I’d never been so cold in my life, you don’t go to Rome and expect snow!”
Ashton then turned his attention to Borthwick’s selected side for the Six Nations opener, with five players named in the match day for a potential test match debut. Ashton focussed on two Northampton Saints talents, and ran down his thoughts on Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall, ahead of their maiden run-outs for England. Dingwall is set to start at inside centre, whilst Smith takes a seat amongst the replacements, with George Ford the starting fly half.
“Steve (Borthwick) is not afraid to make big calls.” Ashton added. “If he thinks Fin has done enough in training to prove he is ready to face Italy he could give him his opportunity. Finn has been outstanding this year for the table topping Northampton Saints and has shown maturity beyond his years. So, it is possible Fin gets an England debut against Italy.
“George (Ford) and Fin are similar types of fly halves. They put the players around them in to space and use kicking as a way to move the team around the pitch. The more time Fin gets to spend being around players like George and Marcus (Smith) will only benefit Fin and England in the longer term.”
“We could see Fraser Dingwall get a game. He is probably the only out-and-out twelve that we have got in the camp, and he has done such a good job for his club Northampton this season. I think sometimes people think that England need a big physical twelve to ball carry, but he has been brilliant every single week for his club. Sometimes lads just need the backing for people to realise they can play at this level. I’d like to see him given a chance against Italy. Lawrence’s absence has opened the door for other players.”