Remember watching a horrendously bad 6-0 defeat to Worcester which was one of the worst games I’ve ever seen.
This 6-0 victory for Italy however was actually highly entertaining. Italy look like they have some great talent coming through, especially up front and we had no answer to Italy’s dominance up front. Nothing came from our half backs to try and get anything going out wide either. Should have been 12-3 final score but from pretty dire place kicking from both 10s.
From the Wasps lads, Bell was again very physical. Was subbed just after half time, took a few knocks, changes were needed and he also had played the full 80 against Scotland last week.
Fisilau got some more gametime this week and again was tidy but without many stand out moments, probably will shape up to be a 7 with his link play and size rather than a 6/8.
Dawkins came on very late and not sure he got a touch when Italy went very tight, keeping the ball close and running the clock down.
Great news if the game in Italy is growing its player base to this quality and some humble pie perhaps for our squad. A good reminder to some at this stage of their careers that they’re no longer big fish in a small pond playing school level or U18s and you’re not just entitled a win at this level. Maybe a mistake from the coaches too to experiment with their half back selection this week to get everyone game time.
Apart from Grayson again the backs looked poor. (Arundell required by London Irish this week I believe)