West Norfolk rugby coach says England need to be "more adaptable" in Six Nations
Steve Borthwick's men take on Italy away from home today- with the county's own Freddie Steward in the starting 15
The director of rugby in West Norfolk is telling us that England need to be "more adaptable" in the upcoming Six Nations
Steve Borthwick's men take on Italy away from home today, in their first game of the tournament
The county's own Freddie Steward in the starting 15, as full-back after featuring heavily in England's World Cup campaign, which culminated in them finishing third.
Kick-off is at 2.15pm in Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
"Supporters should be excited"
Darren Clarke says there's plenty of reasons to be optimistic:
"It think the supporters should be excited about this Six Nations. There's a lot of young talent coming through and they're re-building after the World Cup.
"I've previously been critical of their style of play in that campaign- but it was a very good tournament for us.
"I think it's still very difficult to look further than France and Ireland in terms of who's going to win this.
"They have deep and experienced squads who have experience of being champions. I'd expect England to finish third in this.
"I think we need to use him and his physicality more"
"We've got to concentrate on the home game against Wales and Ireland. We need to take the fight to them and show that we're a tough team to beat.
"Scotland will likely have their brilliant games and those where they throw it away.
"I'd expect England to have a hard game in Italy. But I'd expect England to win it but still find it hard. Hopefully it'll get the team and youngsters off to a good start.
"Freddie Steward has got a lot caps behind him now, so although he's young he's one of our most experienced players.
"He's an outstanding defensive full-back, under the high ball there's probably nobody better in the world. Attacking wise I think we need to use him and his physicality more.