ROUND 4 Sunday 9th March 2025
As the rugby world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Six Nations Championship, all eyes are on the penultimate round that promises to deliver heart-stopping action and unforgettable moments. The tournament, a cornerstone of international rugby, showcases the best talent from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. In Round 4, we turn our attention to a classic matchup that never fails to captivate: England versus Italy.
Guinness Six Nations Round 4
England vs Italy
Doors Open at 9:30 am EST
The Winslow 243 East 14th Street New York, NY 10003
England and Italy are set to face off in a crucial Round 4 match of the 2025 Six Nations Championship at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Their previous encounter during the 2024 Championship saw England narrowly defeat Italy 27-24 in Rome, hinting at a potentially closer contest in this upcoming rematch.
These two nations have a lopsided history, having contested 31 test matches since their first meeting in 1991. England maintains a perfect record, having won all 31 encounters. However, Italy’s recent improvements and England’s narrow victory in their last match suggest that the Azzurri might be closing the gap, setting the stage for what could be a surprisingly competitive battle at Twickenham.
Match Details: England vs Italy
On Sunday, 9th March 2025, rugby enthusiasts will flock to the hallowed grounds of Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for a 3:00 pm GMT (10:00 am ET) kick-off. This iconic venue, often referred to as the “Home of English Rugby,” has been witness to countless historic matches since its first international game in 1910. With a capacity of 82,000, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Andrew Brace from Ireland will officiate the match, bringing his wealth of experience to ensure a fair and thrilling contest. For those unable to make the journey to London, ITV will broadcast the game live, bringing every tackle, scrum, and try into living rooms across the UK.
New York City rugby fans need not worry about missing out on the action. The Winslow, located at 243 E 14th St, will be showing the game live, offering a slice of Six Nations excitement in the heart of Manhattan. With its British-inspired ambiance and impressive selection of gins, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the rugby atmosphere.
England enters this match with history on their side, boasting a perfect record against Italy in their 31 previous encounters since 1991. However, their narrow 27-24 victory in Rome during the 2024 Championship suggests that the Azzurri are closing the gap, setting the stage for a potentially nail-biting encounter.
Team Analysis: England
England’s squad is brimming with talent, but three players stand out as key to their success:
- Owen Farrell: The veteran fly-half continues to be the linchpin of England’s attack, orchestrating plays with his tactical kicking and precise passing.
- Maro Itoje: A dominant force in the lineout and breakdown, Itoje’s athleticism and work rate make him invaluable in both attack and defense.
- Marcus Smith: The young fly-half has been pushing for a starting spot, offering a dynamic running game that complements Farrell’s strategic approach.
England’s journey in the 2025 Six Nations has been a rollercoaster. They suffered a narrow 24-22 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield in their opening match, with a last-minute penalty sealing their fate. However, they bounced back with a convincing 35-17 win against France at the Stade de France, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
The team has been dealt a blow with the loss of prop Kyle Sinckler to a calf injury sustained during training. His absence will test England’s depth in the front row, with newcomer Bevan Rodd likely to step into the breach.
Team Analysis: Italy
Italy, while historically the underdogs, have been making significant strides in recent years. Their key players include:
- Paolo Garbisi: The young fly-half has been a revelation, bringing creativity and flair to the Italian backline.
- Sebastian Negri: A tireless flanker whose work at the breakdown and in open play has been crucial to Italy’s improved performances.
- Monty Ioane: The winger’s pace and finishing ability have made him a constant threat, scoring tries in both of Italy’s previous matches.
Italy’s campaign began with a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Wales in Rome, where a missed conversion in the final minutes proved costly. They followed this with a spirited performance against Ireland, ultimately falling 31-20 but showing flashes of brilliance that suggest they’re no longer the tournament’s whipping boys.
The Azzurri have been boosted by the return of veteran lock Alessandro Zanni from retirement, bringing much-needed experience to their pack. However, they’ll be without scrum-half Stephen Varney, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Prediction
While Italy has shown remarkable improvement, England’s home advantage and superior depth make them the favorites. Expect a closely fought first half, but England’s bench strength should see them pull away in the final quarter.
Prediction: England 31 – 20 Italy
England’s tactical kicking game, led by Farrell, will likely exploit any weaknesses in Italy’s back three. Additionally, the return of Manu Tuilagi to the centers provides England with a powerful ball-carrying option that could prove decisive in breaking down Italy’s defense.
Conclusion
As we approach this crucial Round 4 match, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between an England side looking to assert their dominance and an Italian team eager to prove they belong among rugby’s elite. The clash of styles – England’s structured approach versus Italy’s flair and unpredictability – promises to deliver a spectacle worthy of the Six Nations.
Whether you’re watching from the stands at Twickenham, in a pub in London, or at The Winslow in New York City, this match is not to be missed. It’s more than just a game; it’s a chapter in the ongoing story of European rugby, where legends are made and history is written with every ruck, maul, and try. So gather your friends, don your team colors, and prepare for 80 minutes of world-class rugby action. The Six Nations 2025 is calling, and rugby fans everywhere are answering!