WE RED ROSE TO THE FIGHT ‘We’re up for the cup.. it’s England’

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MARO ITOJE insists England can use their World Cup template to finally challenge for a Six Nations title.

England’s win over the Welsh made it two from two but the serious business starts now with games against bogey team Scotland, Grand Slam champions Ireland and France.

Steve Borthwick’s side have won their first two games in the tournament for the first time since 2019 but have a mountain to climb to challenge for the trophy.

They have stuttered to their wins over Warren Gatland’s team and the Italians and have not beaten Scotland in their last three attempts.

But lock Itoje was part of an England side that gradually improved during France 2023, eventually landing the bronze medal.

The 29-year-old (above) said: “It means we’re in the game, we’re in the tournament. We’re putting ourselves in a positive position, which

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GREGOR TOWNSEND says he won’t have to use Scotland’s burning sense of injustice to fire up his side to face England.

The Dark Blues boss was left stunned on Saturday when his side were denied a last-gasp try against France.

But it was Les Bleus who pinched the victory after it was ruled Sam Skinner’s charge for the line had been held up by a French boot – despite TV perhaps we may not have done in previous campaigns.

“It means we have our eyes on the prize. Not only inside rugby but also outside of rugby, life is a lot better when you win. You go home with smiles on faces, your family look at you with smiles and no gloom.

“That’s also a good thing. We want to have a positive mindset about the challenges ahead.

“If you look at our performances during the World Cup, we built throughout the tournament. I think we’re going to do the same in this Six Nations.”

And Itoje echoed the thoughts of head coach Borthwick and captain Jamie George by heralding England’s determination not to throw in the towel when Wales were 14-5 up at half-time.

He added: “The best England teams of the past however many decades have always stayed in the fight. We want to position ourselves as one of those teams.” pictures appearing to show the ball grounded.

But Townsend insists his side will be right up for their Calcutta Cup fight in a fortnight’s time.

He said: “The loss has been registered.

“The galvanising of the group for England is, well, it’s England.”

Townsend (above) was still stewing on Saturday night over the major incident at Murrayfield.

“It was clearly not the right decision they came to in the end,” he added.