Shaun Edwards statement: Apology to referee for French players behaviour

The defending champions came from behind to avoid a shock defeat against Italy in a thrilling Six Nations game.

The Azzurri led 24-22 before Matthieu Jalibert sniped over from close range as France claimed a bonus-point win.

Writing in the Mail Online, he wrote: "I’d like to start this column by making a public apology to the referee, Matthew Carley, because our discipline wasn’t good enough. 

"We created the most turnovers in world rugby last year. We practise jackalling a lot. Things like making sure you get a clear release. Sometimes we get it right but on Sunday we didn’t. We overcommitted at the ruck, a lot of natural aggression, and didn’t attain our normal high standards.

"As defence coach, I was frustrated by Ange Capuozzo’s try. We botched up our rolls, making a mistake in our defensive formation. 

"The player who is meant to control the short-side moved elsewhere because he thought the danger was in a different part of the pitch. 

"Capuozzo, to his credit, had the vision to spot that and ended up one-on-one with a forward. We always try to have wingers or full-backs marking wingers because of their speed, so we ended up with a mismatch.

"You can’t allow a player like Capuozzo those opportunities because he’s incredibly quick. He’s an unusual player to defend against, elusive with a wiry type of strength. "

It could prove to be the last chance for a number of players to save their international careers.

Age: 28

Position: Lock

Caps: 13

A favorite of Eddie Jones, the Sale Sharks lock is in danger of losing his place on the England squad due to the emergence of Leicester Tigers' Ollie Chessum.

With Courtney Lawes returning from injury, Hill may have one last chance to prove himself if he can displace Maro Itoje from the team.

Hill was omitted from the Scotland game last weekend and hopes to at least make the bench against Azzurri.

Getting back into the England set-up will not be easy, as Northampton Saints' David Ribbans is also playing well.

Fun fact: Hill is the nephew of former Rugby league international Paul Loughlin.

Age: 32

Position: Loosehead-prop

Caps: 71

The veteran loose-head had a lackluster performance when coming off the bench against the Scots.

With competition from Sale Sharks' promising Bevan Rodd and seasoned scrummager Joe Marler, Vunipola will aim to make a more significant impact if the game is close.

If England suffers its first-ever loss to Italy and Vunipola fails to make a positive impact, it may spell the end for the experienced Sarries player.

Fun fact: Vunipola is the nephew of former international players Manu and 'Elisi Vunipola, who both represented Tonga in the 1990s.

Age: 31

Position: Centre

Caps: 46

Having been dropped from the matchday squad to face Scotland in the Six Nations opener, Tuilagi has been tipped to return to the fold this weekend.

However, with the in-form Ollie Lawrence breathing down his neck for selection, Tuilagi is in need of a big performance against Italy.

Age: 28

Position: Number 8

Caps: 15

With the number 8 struggling for club form and a move to France on the horizon, you can bet he won't get too many opportunities to impress Steve Borthwick.

Saracens Billy Vunipola or Newcastle Falcons Callum Chick will be confident of getting a recall if England's back-row struggles persist.

There is also the prospect of all-action number 8 Zach Mercer on the horizon after former Bath powerhouse signed a contract with Gloucester for next season

Simmonds next cap very realistically could be his last unless he puts in a serious shift.

DID YOU KNOW?  His father and uncle are both in the fishing industry