England win but Wales will be capable of exploiting their obvious weaknesses
England comment by David Emery, editor in chief of The Rugby Paper
At half time the guy sitting next to me said, “Right, that’s decided I’m backing England to score 40 points. Stone certainty.”
Forty minutes later he had done his money and England were heading towards a Twickenham showdown with Wales in a fortnight with a mixture of relief and foreboding.
Relief that they had put their Six Nations show back on the road with a comfortable 33-0 nil victory over Italy; foreboding because they know Wales will be capable of exploiting their obvious weaknesses:
Shoddy handling, a creaking front row and an inability to put a second rate nation to the sword in the style of true championship contenders.
Yes, Italy were spirited, dogged and, for once lasted the full 80 minutes with stamina and desire intact.
Yet England’s inability to land my neighbour his money is a worry.
The brightest redeeming light for England was the form of Marcus Smith. The young Quins fly-half was far from perfect yet he master-minded this victory with a skill which suggests he will be a joy to watch for years to come.
His movement, eye for the main chance and brilliance of pass was the difference between the two sides.
The sight of George Ford preparing to come on was a fleeting concern. But clearly Eddie Jones had learned his lesson from Murrayfield regardless of his bullish denial and Smith stayed on for the full 80.
Quite what Ford was doing playing inside centre was known only to the head coach.
The other plus points for England: Max Malins showed what a fine footballer he is even though he lacks the gas to be a strike winger.
Maro Itoje was immense again, even playing out of position at blind side flanker. Put him back at lock, Eddie, where he is the best in the world.
Harry Randall brought speed, verve and a couple of quick-silver breaks at scrum-half which suggest he and Marcus can rebuild the bond they had at age group rugby.
Nothing, though, will have greatly perturbed Ireland or France, especially after the way Italy nullified England in the second half.
Wales will travel with hope: that match has all the hallmarks of a cliff-hanger.
