England plan to douse Italian fire

The Azzurri have never beaten England in a Test match but they will be roared on by a sold-out 75,000 crowd in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

But the Harlequins flanker is convinced that England's new-look side have the hunger and determination to match Italy in the passion stakes and build on last weekend's 13-6 Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland.

"We have no illusions about what tomorrow is going to be like," Robshaw said.

"Coming to Italy, to their capital in the heart of their country, is not easy and they are getting better year on year. They will want to go out and prove they are a rugby force.

"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."
Chris Robshaw Quotes of the week

"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.

Passionate

"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 had to defend for almost the entire second half at Murrayfield and Robshaw is hoping his side can avoid a similar scenario in Rome.

"Whenever you go into a game you need to be prepared to sacrifice and go that extra bit, whether that is carrying the ball more making an extra tackle," he added.

"I hope tomorrow, if we get the ball, we can keep hold of it better than we did against Scotland. That was one of the reasons we defended for so long and something we have been working on."