LONDON – England coach Stuart Lancaster has opted to stick with the team that beat Scotland last weekend for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Italy. An overhauled lineup beat Scotland 13-6 for England’s first win at Murrayfield since 2004 but Lancaster expects an improved performance at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
With the likes of Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt, Phil Dowson and Mauritz Botha keeping their spots, England’s starting 15 boasts just 251 caps. Lancaster says “Italy will be a very difficult challenge with nearly 700 caps in their starting lineup.”