England endured a tough start to the Six Nations but face a perfect opportunity to regain their form with the visit of Italy this weekend, a team they have never lost to.
Despite their good record against Italy, Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff will be wary of the threat posed by the Italians with their strong recent form. Kieran Crowley's side have won three of their last five test matches, with wins against Australia and Wales showing thee improvements made.
Marcus Smith has been dropped for the match, with the Harlequins fly-half making way for Farrell to start in the number 10 shirt on Saturday. Farrell, the England captain, endured a tough afternoon from the kicking tee against Scotland as they lost having been 20-12 ahead at one point.
