England are wary of ‘unpredictable’ Italy

Azzuri could chuck anything at us, warns Kruis ahead of Twickenham encounter

ENGLAND lock George Kruis joined head coach Eddie Jones in taking aim at Italy on the eve of today’s Guinness Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

Jones stated that the Azzurri can be a gifted team if their head coach Conor O’Shea takes a positive approach – a reference to the controversial no-ruck tactics employed by the Irishman at the same venue two years ago.

It is a view echoed by Kruis, who forms a second-row partnership alongside Joe Launchbury after Maro Itoje was definitely ruled out by forwards coach Steve Borthwick because of a knee injury.

“If Conor lets them play then they can play and produce some magic out the back. We’re prepared for that and we’re not underestimating them,” Kruis, pictured, said. “They’ve put on some pretty good performances in this Six Nations and we know they could chuck anything at us – like they have done previously.

“They’re unpredictable and can play in different styles. With Italy you’ve got to expect anything and that’s exactly what we’re thinking about. The game starts with the forwards, so we know we’ve got a big job to do in the pack.”

Itoje will not feature against the Azzuri, but could yet be ready to face Scotland next weekend.

“Maro is not fit, but he’s recovering really well. He progresses every day. Everyone else is fully fit,” Borthwick said. “We’re really excited about this game. Italy have played very, very well over the last couple of matches.

“Look at how they played for part of the game against Scotland and Ireland – they’re a good team.”