BY GEORGE WE’LL GIVE WALES A SCRAP

JAMIE GEORGE has warned Wales that England are up for the Six Nations title fight – and says their scrum brawl with Georgia proves it.

Losing to Warren Gatland’s side killed both their Grand Slam dream and championship momentum and, three days later, a set-piece session with the Georgia rugby team turned ugly in front of watching schoolkids. But George (right) says that was neither evidence of England having lost their way nor a sign of frustration that the title is now firmly in Welsh hands. Quite the opposite.

“What it showed was, as a pack, we have each other’s backs and we are as tight as ever,” said the Saracens hooker.

“After a loss, sometimes you feel very isolated and naturally you are thinking about yourself, ‘What did I do, what could I have done better?’ and all the rest. Next thing you’re in a heated session with the Georgians. We don’t want to get into pushing and shoving and all that.

“Unfortunately, it’s a part of the game and it’s that fine balance of standing up for yourself, not showing weakness, but, at the same time, not letting it distract you from what you’ve got to do next. It’s brought us closer together. I know the person to my left, right and behind me has got my back. You see any white shirt being messed around with and you’ll see 15 white shirts there pretty quickly. That’s the great thing about this team and a sign we’re in a great place.”

Today, England name their side to face Italy, with Maro Itoje a major doubt owing to a knee injury. But Joe Cokanasiga is set to make his Six Nations debut.