by Ryan D Jager
The Azzurri made history last year when they beat France for the first time
in the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament and will feel that this is their chance to
break more maiden ground and beat England.
The new look English team under interim head coach Stuart Lancaster was
lucky not to lose against Scotland last weekend and, and Italy will look expose
the same frailties at the Stadio Olimpico in front of 75,000 home fans.
We think that this is the best opportunity that Italy has ever had to spring
an upset against England.
Bet365 Sportsbook has installed
England as the 1/4 favourite. Italy are 10/3 to take the spoils and the Tie is
22/1.
Bet365 delivers great value with the
£200 free bet offer. England start as an 8.5 point favourite on the Handicap at
Evens.
Why back Italy?
Home ground advantage has not helped Italy much except last year against
France but there is renewed optimism about that Italian side. Much will depend
on whether their backs can improve and match the Italian pack for their
effectiveness. The jury is still out whether Aussie convert Burton can control
the game from fly half for the Italians. The only two changes made by coach
Jacques Brunel is Marco Bortolami coming into the second row and s start for
Clermont Auvergne centre Gonzalo Canale.
If Italy can retain the ball better than they did last weekend and improve on
their kicking game they are a chance to upset a new English team.
Why back England?
England were absolutely woeful against Scotland who apparently came into the
game intent on throwing it away. Well it looked like that anyway. England fans
will be worried that apparently little has changed under Lancaster with the
Roses still playing an unimaginative, one-dimensional game plan. Throw in poor
execution and terrible skills and England look rubbish.
Can England improve over last weekend's dire performance? Probably enough to
account for a valiant Italian team. The new look midfield was the only shining
light in the Scottish victory and they will hope to get some more ball.
Don't expect England to do anything flashy though. We expect an underwhelming
victory by a small margin.
Our tip: Back England to win by 6-10 points at 4/1 odds.
Italy vs England Six Nations Odds
Other match (odds courtesy of
Bet365.com):
- England 8/13 to score first
- Double Result - Italy - England: 13/2
- Chris Ashton to score first at 13/2 or any time at 6/4.
Other 6 Nations Match Odds
- France (1/4) vs Ireland (10/3)
- Wales (1/9) vs Scotland (6/1)
