The World's Greatest Blog

Bruised and Battered - England pack at Stade de France RBS 6 Nations 2008 (Photo courtesy of RBS, Getty)

The RBS 6 Nations Rugby 2009 kicks off for England fans on Saturday 7th February with a home fixture against Italy at Twickenham.

England v Italy RBS Six Nations 2009 Preview

The match will be shown live on BBC TV for UK viewers (those from the USA should check out the USA 6 Nations 2009 TV Coverage page).

England’s Chances

England enter the tournament bereft of confidence following some hefty defeats at the hands of the antipodean touring sides this winter, and under the relatively new management of Martin Johnson, who lifted the Rugby World Cup as captain of England in 2003.

England have an inexperienced side for this year’s tournament, though no worse than that of recent years. They will look to Mike Tindall and Phil Vickery who have between them played in the bulk of Six Nations matches for the past few years. Men like Danny Cipriani are key for England: now is the time for Cipriani to show why many consider him the logical replacement for Jonny Wilkinson in the 10 shirt – his kicking may well prove vital in this opener, and the duty may not stay with him if he fails to stamp authority on the role.

Italy’s Chances

Canale Scores for Italy in historic victory over Scotland in RBS 6 Nations 2008 (photo courtesy of Getty, RBS)

The Italians are a side who are fast shaking off their Whipping Boys of the tournament tag, not least when getting the better of a Scotland side which lifted the Calcutta Cup last year in a tense 23-20 match at Rome (Canale try pictured right).

In fact, were this match taking place in Rome, it would be viewed as a much trickier opening game than ever before in a 6 Nations since the Italians joined the competition in the year 2000.

England v Italy RBS Six Nations 2009 Score Prediction

Gone are the days when England would dole out a 80-23 punishment to the Italians (the 2001 scoreline at Twickenham). Martin Johnson was the captain that day, and he will be hoping for a similarly relaxing entry into this year’s tournament. It is doubtful he will get his wish, but England should have just enough to take this match by 5-10 points.

RBS Six Nations 2009 Ticket Links:

• Tickets to England v Italy – buy or sell your match tickets here;
• RBS Six Nations 2009 Fixture List & Ticket Info.

Be sure to leave your own thoughts and opinions on this year’s Six Nations using the comments box below – who do you think will win?