Six Nations: Underdogs Italy are still a threat to England, says captain Chris Robshaw
Thursday 12 February 2015 23:17, UK
Italy may be rated the underdogs of the Six Nations but England captain Chris Robshaw says Saturday’s clash with the Azzuri will bring plenty of new pressures.
Eight days after a stirring 21-16 comeback victory over Wales, England - the new title favourites - face the workmanlike Azzurri at Twickenham.
Italy have pushed England in the past: two years ago England battled to an 18-11 victory at Twickenham thanks largely to six penalties from Toby Flood.
"It'll be a completely different pressure compared to Wales," Robshaw said.
"I'm sure most people will be coming to Twickenham expecting us to win comfortably, but we know what we've got to do and the aims we set for ourselves.
"You want to perform well and you also want to win. You hope as a team you'll be more cohesive and it's that different type of pressure.
"They're away from home and are the underdogs. There's not really anything to lose.
“When you're the favourites, so to speak, it is a different type of pressure.
"We've had tight games against Italy in the past. They almost beat us three years ago and two years ago, and on another day, they could have.
"As a team we're treating them with the utmost respect, like we treat every other side that we've played.
"We had a great win in Cardiff, but it was the start to the campaign for us and that's all. Now it's about backing that up."
