Posted Feb 9th 2007, 12:43pm

The Italians are coming

So another key day in the revitalisation of the England rugby squad approaches tomorrow with the game against Italy.

I can believe how different the team seems to just a few months ago, and with some familiar old faces in there it's time to believe that we haven't left it too late for a stern World Cup challenge - unlike the cricket team!

I really fancy us to do the business against Italy - a side who over the last few years seem to have really upped their game and are certainly not the pushovers that they might have been considered when they first joined the tournament as nation six.

Confident of the win though and imagine the boost in confidence if we can get past a tough unit in preparation for the three big tough games to come.

Ireland and Wales unpredictable, and France who I still rate highly.

Clean sweep anyone?