Six Nations 2026: Fin Smith Set To Face Italy As England Seek Rome Response
Fin Smith is set to face Italy as England head to Rome after successive Six Nations defeats, with head coach Steve Borthwick making a sweeping reshuffle to arrest a worrying run of away results. The visitors arrive on the back of chastening losses and face a re-energised Italian side who have already beaten Scotland at home this tournament.
England’s away form under the microscope
England’s recent away record in the Six Nations has been poor: the team’s current run of four defeats in five away games equals their joint-highest tally of losses over a five-match period in the Six Nations era. Over the five championships since England last won the title, the side have won just four of 13 fixtures on the road and have lost all eight matches played in Edinburgh, Dublin and France combined. Despite that downturn, England remain unbeaten historically in Rome, but Italy are no longer the accommodating hosts of old.
Fin Smith and a bold Borthwick reshuffle
Selection changes have been extensive. One account notes nine changes and three positional switches, while another lists 12 changes overall — nine personnel changes plus three positional moves. That shake-up includes new selections and positional adjustments intended to revive a campaign that saw England mauled at Murrayfield and underwhelming at Twickenham. Fin Smith is among the players set to face Italy as part of the reconfigured side, joining a group tasked with restoring spirit and fight.
Italy’s threat and what’s at stake
Italy arrive in Rome with momentum after defeating Scotland on home soil and have been praised for their stamina, style and defensive resilience. World-class performers, including Tommaso Menoncello, have been highlighted for their form, and pundits warn this could be England’s toughest Test against Italy. Former England winger Ugo Monye has said the match is a pivotal one for England this year.
The stakes are clear: a first-ever defeat to Italy on Italian soil would further damage England’s championship prospects and leave the side travelling to Paris facing the possibility of four defeats in the same tournament — a rare outcome in the modern era and one last seen in 1976. Senior figures in the squad have acknowledged lapses in hard work and fight in recent weeks and signalled the need for a collective response in Rome.
As the teams prepare for the match in the Eternal City, England must blend new personnel and positional changes into a coherent performance if they are to protect their unblemished record in Rome and halt a damaging away-day slump.
