Sir Clive Woodward has been reviewing the weekend’s 2024 Six Nations action, specifically England’s narrow 27-24 win against Italy in Rome.
Alex Mitchell’s try after the interval overturned a narrow deficit before George Ford’s boot edged England clear.
The Azzurri had threatened a first win over England as Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan scored either side of an Elliot Daly finish for the visitors.
Monty Ioane scored a late consolation and earned a losing bonus point in Italy’s smallest defeat by England.
Despite being relatively positive, Woodward’s main takeaway was, “It was only Italy.”
He began his column for the Mail Online by saying: “England’s campaign started well enough in Rome. When he wakes up this morning, Borthwick will be pleased, although I’m sure he would have liked a four-try bonus point. But England showed signs of improvement.
“Their attack was promising at times. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a platform to build on. Ethan Roots did very well on debut and was named man of the match. Tommy Freeman also impressed. But for me the star man by a country mile was Maro Itoje.
“One of the biggest positives for English rugby in the last six months has been Itoje getting back to his best after a period of poor form.
“England won, but it was only Italy. And if they lose to Wales at Twickenham on Saturday — a team they should beat comfortably — then it will all fall apart again.”
“Too many prawn sandwich type” – Six Nations fan bases ranked from worst to best
The guys over at Host A Fan have attempted to rank the Six Nations fan bases.
They’ve based their ranking, from most important to least, on six different categories:
- Home Stadium Atmosphere
- Passion
- Away Support
- Online Public Vote
- Anthem & Other Songs
Read their full analysis and ranking by CLICKING HERE.
Or check out the brief ranking below:
#6. France – 4.3
They Said: ” The French also score below-average rating for both Away Support and Home Stadium Atmosphere, the latter not helped by the fact you need a telescope (never mind a pair of binoculars) to see the pitch (never mind the action) from some of the seats at the Stade de France.”
#5. Italy – 4.4
They Said: “Like the French, they are let down by Away Support and, most impactfully, Home Stadium Atmosphere, which can often suffer from one-sided, processional performances on the pitch, although thankfully, these are becoming rarer occasions.”
