Six Nations 2019: Every team from Round 4 RATED - Page 2 of 3 - Ruck
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Six Nations 2019: Every team from Round 4 RATED

12 March 2019
Steven

England crush Italy as the super heavyweights show their credentials

This was a weird watch for me, as it felt slightly odd at Twickenham, yet some teams would be loving life if they sent 57 points past them. There was no reason for England fans to be underwhelmed in my view, as Brad Shields, Ben Te’o and most of all Joe Cokanasiga put in some seriously good performances on Saturday night, and proved that England can quite easily swat teams aside when they go for the heavyweight set up. But now it begs the question of what team does Eddie Jones play in Japan?

It’s not a great marker for how good a side is when they wipe Italy away with over a half century of points, but lose to Wales two weeks previous from a winning position. But whatever the outcome, England can snatch the tournament away from Wales and Ireland should results go their way, and it’s hardly looking unrealistic now given their margin of victory last weekend.

For Italy, it’s been another one of those games. Conor O’Shea was seen smiling afterwards and was instantly thrown to the wolves on social media after, but I think that’s a disgrace. He has not won with Italy in three years yes, but he has worked wonders on his team, and to have an issue with a man cracking a smile is beyond me. Are Italy permanently meant to be unhappy and angry, because that’s hardly going to develop a team with everyone throwing a tantrum as a default setting.

I understand the frustrations, but cut them some slack, and remember they are facing five of the best teams in all of rugby. It’s not easy, but O’Shea will get there in time. In the meantime, I guess we just have to wonder how Jones will pick his team this week as they try to regain the Calcutta Cup. I won’t be surprised to see Cokanasiga and Shields again that’s for sure.

Team Ratings

England 4/5

Italy 2/5

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