Six Nations 2024: Italy chasing first win over England say physicality key
- Published
Wales-born scrum-half Stephen Varney qualifies for Italy through his maternal grandparents
Guinness Six Nations: Italy v England |
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Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome Date: Saturday, 3 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT |
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra; live text on BBC Sport website and app; watch live on ITV |
Perennial underdogs Italy will need to match England's physicality if they are to beat them for the first time, says Azurri scrum-half Stephen Varney.
Italy begin their Six Nations campaign in Rome on Saturday, having lost all 30 previous matches against England.
"We are expecting England to fly up at us with a lot of line speed in defence, so it's important our skill set is there to get around them," said Varney.
"They have their kicking game and a strong set-piece as well."
Italy have been outscored by 1,197 points to 356 by England but Gloucester number nine Varney says the class of 2024, under the guidance of new head coach Gonzalo Quesada, want to set a new benchmark in Italian rugby.
"Our ambition is to be the best Italian team ever," the 22-year-old, who was born in Wales but qualifies for Italy through his grandparents, told BBC Sport.
"It's a big challenge for our forward pack but if we can match them physically, our attack will come into play and we can score many tries.
"In the past two years, our attack has been very strong. Gonazlo has come in and wants us to attack with speed of ball, which is massive for us."
The Azzurri won two of their five games in 2007 and 2013 but have taken the Wooden Spoon in the past eight years.
"In 2007 and 2013, Italy had two victories and our goal is to beat that. We want to put in performances we are happy with and hopefully the results will take care of themselves," added Varney, who will start the game on the bench.
"We have to take each week as it comes and try and win every game, starting with England."
Varney has won 24 caps after making his debut against Scotland as a 19-year-old in 2020 and says he has grown in confidence since stepping onto the international stage as a teenager.
"I was quite young in my first Six Nations and obviously confidence is a big thing when you are playing at this level, but I've worked on my mental game," he added.
"You always prepare yourself physically, but I think it's very important to prepare mentally, especially for the high pressured games coming up."