England made a winning start to the defence of their Six Nations title in Scotland last week and face another difficult trip this weekend.

“They will want to go out and prove they are a rugby force,” said England captain Chris Robshaw

“Coming to Italy, to their capital, is not easy and they are getting better year on year.”

A new-look England side recorded a hard-fought win in Edinburgh last weekend, running out 13-6 winners, making 238 tackles and preventing the home side scoring a single try.

In the second round of fixtures, they face an Italy side who have never beaten England in a Test match and one that will be desperate to make a name for themselves by doing so.

“We have no illusions about what it is going to be like,” added Robshaw.

“Everyone knows about the Italian passion but we have to match that. Everyone who is in this set-up at the moment is so passionate to play for their country.

“We will have to front up. We are under no illusions, we know what passion is coming. It is about going toe-to-toe with each other.

“Italy are always a very physical and passionate side, they will hold the ball through phases and they will have a go through the forwards.

“Last week’s win showed the character of our guys. When you go away from home it is you against a whole nation.”

England are unchanged for the game in the Stadio Olimpico, with Northampton back-row forward Phil Dowson holding off a challenge from Ben Morgan to start again at number eight.

 

Saturday, 11 February 2012
RBS Six Nations
Italy v England, 16:00
France v Ireland, 20:00

 

Sunday, 12 February 2012
RBS Six Nations
Wales v Scotland, 15:00