Italy v England, Today, 4pm: There is about as much chance of Italy beating England this afternoon as there is of a Winter Olympics gold medal for Britain in today's biathlon. When one side is quoted at 16-1 in a two-chariot race, the bookmakers do not scent an upset and Andy Robinson's demand for a "ruthless" performance from the visiting side sounded even more ominous.
Maybe it would be different if the Italian public did not have roughly the same passion for rugby as their English counterparts have for the skeleton bob. Six years after their Six Nations debut victory against Scotland the Azzurri are still waiting for the momentous win that would distract modern-day Romans from their football obsession. For that to unfold this weekend, England will have to produce a display worthy of Eddie the Eagle.
This appears unlikely, judging by the quiet confidence of Martin Corry and his squad. It is true England have not won away since beating Scotland 35-13 at Murrayfield two years ago. Italy also showed enough skill and character to run Ireland close in Dublin last week and might have won with a more sympathetic referee. But England's 47-13 thrashing of Wales, flattering or not, was the weekend's most significant result, more so even than France's defeat in Edinburgh.
Corry and co needed confirmation they were on the right track and, in most areas, they sense the force is back with them.
As a consequence chests are once more being puffed out and the feelgood mood is unmistakable.
"We know we're not in any way the finished article but there's a lovely atmosphere and team spirit," said Robinson at the squad's luxurious hilltop eyrie above Vatican City. "We've also got guys who want to work hard and improve."
A short training session on a nearby military pitch yesterday strengthened the coach's belief that his players are happier than they have been for a while.
"I've really seen a sharp focus since we've come to Rome . . . that's when you know the side is growing."
Robinson was even moved to dispute the received wisdom that the only way to build a successful World Cup squad is to develop two interchangeable teams of equal ability, as the All Blacks successfully did in the autumn. He prefers the more traditional route of individuals fighting tooth and nail to retain their jersey.
"I don't want people to be given it. I want it to be special and for people to earn it."
Apart from 'A' games, therefore, the only option for forwards such as Alex Brown, Tom Palmer, Louis Deacon and Nick Kennedy - all singled out as "international class" by Robinson yesterday - is to redouble their efforts and wait for the summer tour.
Assuming England stick to their game plan, which is to hit Italy hard in the first quarter and get points ahead on the scoreboard, thus putting the onus on the home side to respond, there can be only one winner.
In three previous visits here English sides have averaged more than 50 points and they will fancy racking up another half-century. Among the beneficiaries could be the wing Ben Cohen, who wins his 50th cap today.
Guardian Service
