England v Italy - Squads and Match Thread

[yappysnap]

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ENGLAND v ITALY
14 February 2015
KO: 14:30
Twickenham Stadium

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
AR1: Pascal Gauzere (FFR)
AR2: Mike Fraser (NZR)
TMO: George Ayoub (ARU)

*****
So England have confirmed an unchanged squad after Parling is still ruled out injured.

ENGLAND's 23

Starting XV: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby). George Ford (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), George Kruis (Saracens), James Haskell (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (captain, Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens).

Replacements: Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby).

ITALY
Luke McLean; Leonardo Sarto, Luca Morisi, Andrea Masi, Giovanbattista Venditti; Kelly Haimona, Edoardo Gori; Alberto DeMarchi, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni; George Biagi, Marco Bortolami; Francesco Minto, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: Andrea Manici, Matias Aguero, Dario Chistolini, Joshua Furno, Samuela Vunisa, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan, Giulio Bisegni

[nathan]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

[Geordie]

Im a big May fan but that was poor.

But who missed the tackles in the centres....?

[TightHEAD]

Typical tickers crowd, she has no idea

[Rory_Gallagher]

Morisi is also a very good looking 13 for Italy! He looked very good against Ireland as well.

[quinsforever]

pass looked forward to me

not forward, just very skillful!

[Hood83]

I think that was a very very average performance and a big step back from last week. Disappointing. Defence was poor, our backs were too deep too often.

[The Saint]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

[mystiroakey]

Erm. Not that impressed but a wins a win..

[nathan]

I thought Italy showed some glimpses of good stuff

[nathan]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

99% of your posting is inappropriate and childish. You don't fool anyone on here...

[quinsforever]

ok game, but some great individual performances and cameos from several players...ford, joseph, billy v, easter, cips, tom youngs, attwood.

job done. england by far the most dangerous looking side so far in the 6Ns.

[TightHEAD]

To be honest apart from JJ England were poor, yet let's be honest 47-17 isn't a bad result, plenty to work on and a wake up call before the irish game.

[Rory_Gallagher]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

[Breadvan]

Honestly saint. Do all your posts have to contain sly digs? enjoy the game fella...

[Steve_rugby]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

Why do you keep mentioning Ashton ? He's not even in the EPS ?

[VinceWLB]

There are some good player in the Italy team but surely the time has come for Castro. How is Cittadini getting on at Wasps?

[Sgt_Pooly]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

[Liam]

The dummy run by Burrell for Joseph's second try is exactly how Wales should be using Roberts. Draws at least 2 defenders every time and allows strike runners the space they need.

[majesticimperialman]

England have alott of work to do before the next game that's for sure.

[bedfordwelsh]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

Pooly,

After last years 6 nations I questioned his involvement for you guys but then he really impressed me in the AIs but was poor today again.

[LondonTiger]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

Was poor, but unlike the guys who missed earlier tackles he did eventually bring him down.

Oberall - meh.

[The Saint]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

99% of your posting is inappropriate and childish. You don't fool anyone on here...

Rich. You whinge about bloody everything on here. Stop being a Saddo all your life.

[Duty281]

Sloppy from England.

Huge improvement needed for the game in Dublin to have a chance.

[TightHEAD]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

I agree, sure he can run fast but he just doesn't do it for me at the moment at this level you have to do better than that.

[TightHEAD]

Ireland in Dublin are clear favourites whatever happens later today.

[Sgt_Pooly]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

[The Saint]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

Why do you keep mentioning Ashton ? He's not even in the EPS ?

I mentioned him twice. I don't understand why everyone is crying over it. If May was a Welsh player you'd all be loving sticking the boot into him. I'm just giving my opinion on a player and getting attacked over it for the second week in a row yet when anyone else does it, it's fine.

[nathan]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

99% of your posting is inappropriate and childish. You don't fool anyone on here...

Rich. You whinge about bloody everything on here. Stop being a Saddo all your life.

I think I've just worked out how old you are, 15? You must be as I don't think any resonable adult would use the word saddo.

[Hood83]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

Was poor, but unlike the guys who missed earlier tackles he did eventually bring him down.

Oberall - meh.

I'd agree, the missed tackled before then was much worse. Not a great game from him, but still don't see Ashton getting back in. Would love to have seen Wade nearer the team, but I guess his tackling is no better.

[bluestonevedder]

Such a weird game. The score line flattered england. Defence was a strange one- most of the time is was horrendous; dog-legged, slow, and unorganised. Other times, it came together brilliantly, and we put some huge hits in and actually drove them back. Why the inconsistency?

Once again, a seriously poor start from us. Why the blinking hell can't we stop conceding tries in the first 5 minutes? Every game.

May had a poor game. Blew the 3 on 2 and a very cery poor tackle at the end. Still, he chased his kicks and set up a couple of tries, but that's no going to keep him in the team.

Joseph is just a wonderful player to watch.

Burrell was ok.

36 was good. His choke tackles and breakdown work has improved. Though as someone said above, why kick for territory so late in the game? Just run, run, run.

Watson was awesome again. Looked comfortable at fullback.

Youngs was average. Slow service today which allowed the Italians to organise their defence.

Ford was good. Boy have england missed having a fly half who actually plays flat on the gainline!

Big Billy was great in the second half.

Hask and robshaw look like our settled flankers, if a poor start at the breakdown.

Marler is just immense.

Overall, a frenetic display. Some good, a lot of bad.

[The Saint]

Awful attempt from May, I'm just not sure he has it at this level. His tackling and lack of brains are a real concern.

Pooly,

After last years 6 nations I questioned his involvement for you guys but then he really impressed me in the AIs but was poor today again.

You've really upset some folk with this accurate observation. I hope your prepared for some childish drivel from
Nathan McWhinger.

[Steve_rugby]

I think I've just worked out how old you are, 15? You must be as I don't think any resonable adult would use the word saddo.

[Nachos Jones]

Good win from England in the end, it was great to see Cips back in an England shirt and he played very well for the time he was on.

Having attacking 10's really make the difference for England, they just look so much better than when Farrell is not playing.

[TightHEAD]

I'd give Ashton another chance now that we have a FH and centres who can get the ball wide

[george doors]

Danny Care needs to be called back. Youngs very slow

[The Saint]

May defending like Ashton there. Waiting for the May aplologists now.

Would you like sexual intercourse with Ashton?

You don't half bang on about him when he has nothing to do with this thread.

I just think that's not only inaccurate, but very childish and inappropriate.

99% of your posting is inappropriate and childish. You don't fool anyone on here...

Rich. You whinge about bloody everything on here. Stop being a Saddo all your life.

I think I've just worked out how old you are, 15? You must be as I don't think any resonable adult would use the word saddo.

It's what I would have said about you tbh but that's none of my business. I've never seen such a massive whinger on this site, I think you're ranked up there at the top with TJ, and that's saying something. A reasonable adult probably wouldn't cry over an Ashton-May comment and reply with the ridiculous comment that they did - but again that's none of my business. Think I might have to utilise the ignore button for the first time ever.

[TightHEAD]

Can the kids please stay on topic, if you can't then feck off

[wrfc1980]

England didn't play half as well as against Wales yet put almost 50 points on a Italian team that will cause problems to Scotland and Wales who they play at hone. Not bad!

[nathan]

Danny Care needs to be called back. Youngs very slow

Didnt have his best game, but the messy breakdowns wouldn't of helped any scrum half

[Geordie]

I think May didn't have his best game today. But I wouldn't sling him on the heap either.

Generally his tackling is very good which is why I was annoyed with the last tackle for the try.

He's a work in progress at this level and I would stick with him. The only other one is Wade.

Watson is a class act who has taken to this level very well and if Brown is not able to play the next game then Watson must start at 15....

[Hood83]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

[nathan]

Good win from England in the end, it was great to see Cips back in an England shirt and he played very well for the time he was on.

Having attacking 10's really make the difference for England, they just look so much better than when Farrell is playing.

I have to agree. With ford playing we have more players running at gaps and ford is excellent at the delayed pass.

[TightHEAD]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

to be fair I think Ashton is a better player than May and has a better rugby brain.

[majesticimperialman]

Italy are starting to look dangerous all they are really missing is a goal kicker.

[nathan]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

to be fair I think Ashton is a better player than May and has a better rugby brain.

Anyone think it might be worth trying Ashton with ford at 10? Could it be like the flood days?

Having said that, makes no difference with his defence

[The Saint]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

to be fair I think Ashton is a better player than May and has a better rugby brain.

Fair comments which I happen to agree with. I still don't think Ashton is the answer for England though. My next question is why aren't you all being attacked by McWhinger?

[stub]

Yeah, a bit so so but a great result nonetheless. I wonder how much Italy playing well made England look a bit lackluster. Strange game really.

[Geordie]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

to be fair I think Ashton is a better player than May and has a better rugby brain.

Fair comments which I happen to agree with. I still don't think Ashton is the answer for England though. My next question is why aren't you all being attacked by McWhinger?

Because even when you back a player you can accept they have good and bad games.

Stop winding it up. Its pretty boring.

[The Saint]

I think that AB try had prolonged his tenure. I'm not a fan at all, he hasn't got a rugby brain, he's just fast. His defence is a big problem, I think Ashton is more accomplished tbh

Can't say i've seen anything from Ashton to suggest his defence is better than May's. He's technically terrible.

to be fair I think Ashton is a better player than May and has a better rugby brain.

Fair comments which I happen to agree with. I still don't think Ashton is the answer for England though. My next question is why aren't you all being attacked by McWhinger?

Because even when you back a player you can accept they have good and bad games.

Stop winding it up. Its pretty boring.

I'm not winding up tbh. I am genuinely confused as to why I've been attacked two weeks in a row for mentioning that I don't think May will grow into his role at international level. It seems to be a common opinion, yet im the only one to get childish drivel from whinging posters.

[lostinwales]

Well it would be Nowell in for May if there was a replacement. As has been mentioned though they are using May a lot for the kick chase and he is good at it.

As for JJ vs Tuilagi - its a nice problem to have. It is worth looking at the odd highlight reel for Tuilagi though as he is perfectly capable of scoring the tries Joseph has, though using power rather than footwork. And what Tuilagi does is generate a lot of momentum with very little space. Its all academic. Tuilagi is injured and JJ is playing very well.

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