Stuart wanting to replicate 2020 turnaround

Italy v England

WI L L S T UA R T insists England will use their experience of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations to resurrect their title prospects this year.

A shattering opening-day defeat by Scotland has placed Eddie Jones’ team on to the back foot and they begin the rebuilding process at the Stadio Olimpico today.

When the Championship was launched in similar fashion in

Paris two years ago, England recovered to lift the crown and Stuart insists they must reproduce the same unity that enabled them to defy the odds.

“We lost our first game – it was my first game for England – against France and ended up winning it so it’s in our control still,” the Bath tighthead prop side. “You don’t want to lose your first game in an England shirt but we built momentum after that. This tournament is all about building momentum. It was really important to stick together.

“We’ve just got to go out and win every game. We were really disappointed about Scotland but we’re positive about the next opportunity. It’s about going out and delivering a performance and some entertaining rugby.”

England have made six changes in personnel and two positional switches following the Calcutta Cup collapse in round one, among them Stuart’s third start at tighthead prop as Jones takes a closer look at some of his less established players.

Jones wants his team to “light up Rome” and attack coach Martin Gleeson insists they are ready to display the ruthless streak that was missing in Edinburgh.

“We want to play a high-tempo game. We want to play fast when we are in the right areas and we want to take our opportunities,” Gleeson said.

“We want to get excited about the game. We want to get excited about the opportunities that present themselves against Italy.”