Skipper is sending a message to England

MARO

- By DUNCAN BECH

Itoje has reminded his England team of their responsibility to the jersey as he outlined the standards expected in clash with Italy in Rome later today.The intensity of England’s training has ramped up since the 42-21 mauling by Ireland that extinguished their Guinness Six Nations title hopes, with defence coach Richard Wigglesworth declaring “sometimes you need to blow the lid off”.

Italy, conquerors of Scotland in round one, are seen as having their greatest chance yet of claiming a first win in 33 instalments of the fixture and enter the Stadio Olimpico showdown as only marginal underdogs.

For England the challenge is to avoid the self-destructive starts that led to their downfall in rounds three and four as they look to rebuild knowing they must take on France in Paris in the climax to the tournament.