England v Italy: Six Nations match preview and tips

TV: ITV & Virgin One, 4.45pm Saturday

Two years ago Italy turned up at Twickenham with a secret tactic up their sleeves but there are unlikely to be any surprises about how England go about their business this time.

Italy's tactic of not engaging at rucks had England bamboozled for a while in the 2017 fixture but the Azzurri still ended up as 36-15 losers and it's not a trick they can repeat.

England coach Eddie Jones has made his intentions pretty clear by selecting a hugely physical and imposing backline, and with powerful ball-carrying props Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler in the starting line-up along with number eight Billy Vunipola, the Azzurri must know they are in for a battering.

Ever since he took on the England role Jones has voiced his desire for bigger backs. For almost the first time he has centres Manu Tuilagi and Ben Te'o fit to start and he has thrown both men in along with Bath winger Joe Cokanasiga. All three top the 100kg mark.

In their three matches, and particularly against France, England have garnered tries through their kicking game and the pace of Jonny May to chase, but this selection gives them an extra dimension and should provide the foundation for a dominant display.

Jones has sacrificed a playmaker in Henry Slade, but England still have full-back Elliot Daly who can step into the line to set up kick-chases when needed.

The match handicap has been set at 32 points, a winning margin they achieved in their first five meetings with Italy when they joined the tournament in 2000, but have reached just twice in the subsequent 14 meetings.

They have come pretty close though - the margin was 31 points in Rome last year and in 2016, while in 2015 at Twickenham it was 30. And England look far more of a threat with their power-packed backline and they can get the points on the board that they need to cover the line.

Italy have been scoring more tries but still aren't making enough of an impact on the scoreboard. In 25 Test matches since the start of 2017, the have topped the 20-point mark just four times, and in nine Six Nations visits to Twickenham they have only once managed more than 17 points - that was their first outing there in 2001 when they lost 80-23.

England have scored 30 tries in their last five meetings with Italy and lead the way in the scoring stats this year with 11 tries. They have the firepower to cover the handicap with something to spare.

England wingers May and Cokanasiga are around the 1-3 mark to get on the scoresheet but one player worth backing at a decent price is fly-half Owen Farrell.

His strong support running means he is often the man available to finish off a move, as he did against France last month and Australia in the autumn, and with so many powerful ball-carriers around him he could get another opportunity to cash in.

Recommendations
England -32
3pts Evs bet365, Betfair
O Farrell to score a try
1pt 16-5 Betfair

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