England vs. Italy Betting Tips: Red Rose to bounce back in style

Steve Borthwick's England coaching career got off to the worst possible start last weekend as Scotland came down the M1 to defeat the old enemy at Twickenham and upset the odds to retain the Calcutta Cup.

Red Rose fans will be desperate to see a response from the home side and they couldn't ask for a better opportunity at home to traditional Six Nations whipping boys Italy.

The Italians put up a spirited fight against France last week before falling to defeat but are massive outsiders for victory at Twickenham, and Billy Grimshaw thinks the home team will bounce back as a wounded animal...

Although Italy were much better than many anticipated (myself included) last time out against France in a game they will think they should have won, the fact of the matter is the Italians are notoriously poor travellers in the Six Nations.

They make no secret that their target is to turn over a more established rival on home soil and have seen some cricket scores racked up on them over the years on the road.

This is a better Italian side than in the past, that much was clear against France, however I think their coaching team may be willing to write this game off in favour of focusing on Ireland at home next time out and then the massive game on home soil against fellow basement dwellers Wales.

England captain Owen Farrell had a game to forget against Scotland but, with Henry Slade returning and Farrell back at 10, England should look much more cohesive and could pile on the points.

Steve Borthwick's men will be desperate to secure not just a win but a convincing one to persuade both themselves and the fan base they can still have a say in winning the Six Nations, and I am with them to cover the 18 point line with Paddy Power and Betfair.

If the Red Rose are not impressive here, as amazing as it sounds, questions will already start being asked of the coaching team in a massive World Cup year and the wisdom of the decision to get rid of Eddie Jones will be scrutinised. Borthwick and his squad will be desperate to avoid that sort of chatter so motivation will be sky high.

For our bigger priced bet I'm back in the first try-scorer market and like the chances of Ollie Hassell-Collins crossing the whitewash first.

It's no secret the wingers are the main try-scoring threat in rugby but Hassell Collins was subdued on debut last week against Scotland, outshone considerably by opposite number Duhan van der Merwe for the Scots who bagged two tries.

The newbie in England camp, who has been in fine form for London Irish, will be desperate to bag a five pointer at Twickenham and England can be expected to head to his edge regularly.

The Ollie Lawrence and Ollie Hassell-Collins combo should also be better this week and Lawrence has been one of the in-form players domestically this season, so expect him to attract plenty of interest from the Italian defenders which could leave space for Hassell-Collins to capitalise.

We have been backing each-way in this market so far in the Six Nations but for this one we will go with a win only selection at bigger odds in the hope of a longshot winner!