England make nine changes to team for Six Nations game against Italy in RomeBy Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union CorrespondentSteve Borthwick has reacted to England’s Guinness Six Nations slump by completing a radical overhaul of his team to face Italy including the return of Fin Smith at fly-half as part of a whole new back line. There are nine changes in personnel and a further three positional switches following the 42-21 rout by Ireland that removed England from title contention with two rounds remaining. It is the most changes ever made by England in the Six Nations era. England have won all 32 previous encounters with Italy but Gonzalo Quesada’s men are the strongest team fielded by the Azzurri since they joined the Six Nations in 2000. Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (Sale), B Rodd (Sale), T Davison (Northampton), O Chessum (Leicester), S Underhill (Bath), H Pollock (Northampton), J van Poortvliet (Leicester), M Smith (Harlequins).

Source: Irish Independent March 03, 2026 16:11 UTC