Rome’s modern amphitheatre awaits a wounded England, their Six Nations campaign fraying and Italy sensing a rare chance to rewrite history, while at Murrayfield France can put both hands on a trophy Scotland still harbour hopes of claiming for the first time…
Moment of truth for England and Borthwick
If defeats to Scotland and Ireland brought a year of momentum to a shuddering halt, then a loss to Italy would shake English rugby to its core.
Italy have never beaten England but have arguably never been better equipped to break that duck at the 33rd attempt at the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday.
The Azzurri are stronger than at any point in their Championship history, turning what was once a routine assignment in Rome into one laced with jeopardy.
Following emphatic losses to Scotland and Ireland, the stakes are high: England have never finished a Six Nations campaign with just one win.
But with a final-round meeting against Grand Slam-chasing France looming, that once unthinkable outcome could become reality if they fall short against Italy.
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James Cole looks at some of the biggest talking points going into England’s Six Nations clash against Italy
Will Borthwick’s selection reshuffle pay off?
In an unprecedented move for an England head coach in the Six Nations, Steve Borthwick has made nine personnel changes and three positional switches.
The overhaul centres on the backline, where only Tommy Freeman survives the 42-21 mauling by Ireland – and even he shifts from wing to outside centre.
Fin Smith returns at fly-half for his first Test start since the autumn, while Seb Atkinson joins Freeman in a revamped midfield combination.
The scale of the transformation is a significant roll of the dice from Borthwick, whose judgement as a selector is firmly on the line.
Itoje steels England for the amphitheatre
Maro Itoje has reminded the England squad of their responsibility to the shirt as he outlined the standards expected when they take the field at the Stadio Olimpico.
England’s challenge is to avoid the self-destructive starts that undermined them in rounds three and four, as they look to rebuild before travelling to Paris for the tournament’s climax.
Itoje’s final words before kick-off will be a rallying cry aimed at provoking a response to recent setbacks.
“The tone will be to relish the opportunity, relish the moment that we have, remember how privileged we are to do what we do,” the England captain said.
Ireland inflicted a 42-21 defeat on England on the day Maro Itoje earned his 100th cap
“We have a responsibility to ourselves, to everyone in the room, everyone in this programme and our fans. The very best of ourselves is aggressive, confrontational and accurate. We need to make sure we deliver on that.
“This week is about us taking the game to Italy. They are a very good side. It’s not about waiting to see what happens or how they shape up. As soon as the game starts, it’s about us taking it to them.
“I think we’re going to see a response – energy, life and bounce in our step. That is what is required.
“We all care. We all want to win. When you don’t win, it heightens the emotions even more. There has definitely been an emotional response at training. The most important thing is that we see it in the game.”
Can Scotland take the Six Nations to the final weekend?
Can Scotland blow the Six Nations title race open with victory over France?
The destination of the championship could be decided before England take to the field in Italy, with second-placed Scotland hosting leaders France at Murrayfield.
The Scots, chasing a first top-two finish this century, would leapfrog their visitors if they secure a bonus-point win and deny Les Bleus a losing bonus point.
Conversely, a France bonus-point victory would seal a second consecutive title for Fabien Galthie’s side with a game to spare.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsed insists his focus is solely on keeping his team’s title hopes alive into the final weekend.
“Not really talked about it,” Townsend said of the possibility of France celebrating on Scottish soil. “It’s about what we can do – staying in the championship for another week.
“We know we’ve got that final game in Dublin and things to play for, but it’s about us winning. That’s what we’re here for. “Whatever that means for the championship, we’ll see after the game, but it’s about delivering a winning performance.”
‘Maximum discomfort’ – Tuipulotu lays down the gauntlet
Sione Tuipulotu has challenged Scotland to bring the heat to France
Sione Tuipulotu has challenged Scotland to take their title bid to the final weekend by making life as uncomfortable as possible for France.
“This is one of the biggest games we’ve played as a group, so let’s see what it brings out of us here at home,” the Scotland captain said.
“What an exciting opportunity we’ve created. One of the best teams in the world coming to Murrayfield – it’s an awesome next step for us.
“I feel battle-tested going into this fourth game. We’ve found ourselves behind in close games, especially two weeks ago against Wales. We’re prepared for wherever this game goes.
“The job is to make France feel as uncomfortable as we can for as long as we can. We need to start fast, but against a quality team like France, starting fast alone doesn’t mean you win. We’ve got to start fast and finish fast.
“I want to earn another week with this group chasing the main goal – lifting the Six Nations trophy.”
‘Forget about the title’ – Dupont demands French focus
France could defend their Six Nations titles with a game to spare with a bonus-point victory in Edinburgh
Antoine Dupont insists France must focus solely on beating Scotland rather than becoming distracted by the prospect of sealing the Guinness Six Nations title this weekend.
They won last year’s title – their first since 2022 – by defeating Scotland in the final round amid raucous scenes at the Stade de France.
If they do not secure the trophy this weekend, they will have another opportunity against England in Paris next Saturday.
“It’s important to win competitions when you’re in a position to win them,” Dupont said. “Obviously, for many reasons, it would be very positive to win this tournament, but we still have two games to play and we’re far from it.
“The goal is to win the match. We know how difficult it is to win here. We don’t need to talk about the quality of the Scottish team, especially in this tournament.
“Our focus is here for the moment. We’ll have time to see what happens next.”
Six Nations fixtures: Round 4
Friday
- Ireland vs Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm kick-off)
Saturday
- Scotland vs France – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (2.10pm kick-off)
- Italy vs England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (4.40pm kick-off)
