England expect tough test

ANDY ROBINSON has geared England up for an intense physical battle against Italy on Saturday, admitting: “They will stand toe-to-toe with us.”

The Italians have failed to hold England on three previous occasions in Rome, conceding 154 points.

But they are hurting from last weekend’s controversial Six Nations loss to Ireland in Dublin, when refereeing decisions went against them, and England boss Robinson expects Italy to come out firing at the Stadio Flaminio.