“We know we have to start pulling our weight,” says Kieran Crowley, a World Cup winner with New Zealand in 1987 who took charge of Italy last May. That can only have a positive impact.”Louis Lynagh of Harlequins, who was born in Italy, is in Kieran Crowley’s sights. “There are only two professional franchises in Italy,” Crowley offers as a cause for this complacency. Of his squad of 33, only six play outside Italy – four in France and two in England. Even an improved performance will probably not be enough against Eddie Jones and his wounded England on Sunday.

Source: The Guardian February 12, 2022 13:33 UTC