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2026 Six Nations Rugby Round 4 - Italy vs. England Preview:
Will the Azzurri finally break the Red Roses?

March 5, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

The fourth round of the 2026 Six Nations Championship will feature an intriguing clash between Italy and England at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, March 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:40 PM GMT, with both sides aiming to secure valuable points as the tournament heads toward its final stages.

This Round 4 encounter is shaping up to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the tournament. Historically, England has dominated this matchup, with Italy yet to claim a victory in their previous 32 meetings. Because of that long-standing record, the contest has often been overlooked by neutral fans.

However, the current circumstances suggest that this year’s meeting could be very different. Italy’s recent progress and improved performances have sparked optimism that they might finally break through and record a historic first win over England.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Italy, nicknamed the Azzurri, has arguably been playing some of the best rugby in its history. They already secured an impressive home victory against Scotland national rugby union team and managed to collect a losing bonus point against Ireland national rugby union team. They also showed strong resilience in a tough away fixture versus France national rugby union team, remaining competitive against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.

England, also known as the Red Roses, has struggled to maintain consistency. Their performances in the last two rounds have raised questions about form and cohesion, leaving the team under pressure heading into this important matchup.

Italy vs. England Sports Bet Odds

Here are our latest game betting 3-way odds:

• Handicap (+/- 7): The spread is dead even, with both Italy (+7) and England (-7) priced at 2.00. A Handicap Tie (England winning by exactly 7) is the longshot at 17.00.
• Total Points: If you're betting on the scoreboard, Over 53 is priced at 2.00, while Under 51 sits at 2.10. For those predicting a tight finish, a total landing between 51–53 is available at 10.00.
• Match Result: For a straight win, England is the favorite at 1.41, Italy is the underdog at 3.10, and the Draw is a high-risk 29.00.

Key Factors

Much of the outcome will depend on whether both teams bring their recent form into this contest. England still possesses a squad filled with high-level talent and greater depth, meaning they are fully capable of producing a strong rebound performance.

Yet Italy enters the match with confidence, momentum, and the advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Rome. If they maintain their current level of performance, this could represent their best opportunity yet to defeat England.

Final Thought

If Italy can rise to the occasion and make history, this match could mark a defining moment for Italian rugby and signal a genuine shift in the competitive balance within the Six Nations.

2026 Guinness Six Nations Table

#	Team	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
1	France	3	0	0	15
2	Scotland	2	0	1	11
3	Ireland	2	0	1	9
4	England	1	0	2	5
5	Italy	1	0	2	5
6	Wales	0	0	3	1

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St. Leger Stakes

The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards (2,937 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.

Established in 1776, the St. Leger is the oldest of Britain's five Classics. It is the last of the five to be run each year, and it is raced over a longer distance than any of the previous four.

The St. Leger is the final leg of the English Triple Crown, preceded by the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby. It also completes the Fillies' Triple Crown, which begins with the 1,000 Guineas and continues with the Oaks. In recent decades, however, the St. Leger has rarely featured a Triple Crown contender.

The event was devised by Anthony St. Leger, an army officer and politician who lived near to Doncaster. The race did not initially bear his name - it was first referred to as "A Sweepstake of 25 Guineas". It was restricted to horses aged three, and its original distance was two miles. The rules stipulated that colts were to carry 8 st, and fillies 7 st 12 lb.

The inaugural running was held at Cantley Common on 24 September 1776. The first winner was an unnamed filly owned by the event's organizer, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. The filly was later named Allabaculia. The event was moved to its present location, Town Moor, in 1778.

The title "St. Leger Stakes" was decided at a dinner party held in 1777 to discuss the following year's race. It was suggested that it should be named in honor of the host, the Marquess of Rockingham (the "Rockingham Stakes"), but the Marquess proposed that it should be named instead after Anthony St. Leger... more St. Leger Stakes info »