Sir Clive Woodward: Eddie Jones is ready to batter Italy
When I saw the incredibly physical and combative England team selected to play Italy, I did chuckle. This is payback time.
More than any other team Eddie Jones has picked as England coach, this one truly reflects his character — it is no more Mr Nice Guy.
He was raging at Italy's infamous 'no-ruck' tactics last year and that anger is still burning. On Sunday in Rome, England intend to batter Italy into submission and leave no room for manoeuvre — or tricks — from the home side.
Eddie Jones has named an incredibly physical and combative England team to face Italy
The line-up is a message: 'This is what is coming your way, let's see what you've got this time'
Twelve months ago, Jones was furious for two reasons. First, he felt humiliated — personally and professionally — that his much-vaunted side were left looking a little silly and ill-prepared by Italy's tactics as England floundered for over half the game. It was all very embarrassing and he has not forgotten. I have never seen his mood lighten or heard him crack a trademark one-liner when the subject comes up.
The memory festers inside him, and it is a feeling I can fully understand.
Eddie loves rugby union, so he was also outraged that a huge showpiece occasion, a capacity crowd at Twickenham and big TV audience, was hijacked by a team willing to play fast and loose with the laws and spirit of the game.
So, this England line-up is sending out a message. 'This is what is coming your way, let's see what you've got this time'.
Throughout his career, Eddie has always preferred a good 'big 'un' to a good 'little 'un', so in many ways he is going back to his default setting, which I love. A successful team will always reflect the character of the coach — and this team is Eddie Jones.
Jones was raging at Italy's infamous 'no-ruck' tactics last year and that anger is still burning
He could have moved the impressive Anthony Watson to full back but no, he wants the experienced, physical 'Mr Angry' Mike Brown at the back.
Rather than the silky skills and speed of Jonathan Joseph at centre, he has rushed the muscular, hard-running Ben Te'o back from injury. Te'o has not played for three months but Eddie likes his style and knows the impact he made for the Lions.
Up front, the massive-hitting Courtney Lawes has dropped back to blindside flanker, the hard- running Sam Simmonds gets a great chance to play to his strength at No 8 and the ever-reliable Chris Robshaw shuffles back across to seven — where Eddie once insisted he could not play. Having been inside the England tent now for two years, Eddie realises what a model pro and versatile backrower Robshaw is, and how he will happily do any job his coach requires.
Rather than the silky skills of Jonathan Joseph, he has rushed the hard-running Ben Te'o back
At present, the openside flanker position is still in a state of flux, so for this vital opening game Jones is more than happy having Robshaw at seven. A successful game for Robshaw will lay to rest the ghost of England's lamentable performance in our home World Cup with him as captain playing seven. You really have to admire the way he has bounced back since then.
England will encounter a fired-up Italy team who I expect to give their best performance of the Championship. There is a much stronger look to Italy than in recent seasons. They have good forwards coming through and this game will have loomed large for a long time.
If they run England close, there will be huge kudos and self-confidence to be gained. Italy will be good, but I expect a highly- motivated England team — and coach — to batter them.