As he did against Wales a week earlier, former England captain Dallaglio made his entry midway through the second half and helped the world champions produce another strong finish to subdue Italy 31-16 at Stadio Flaminio.

Dallaglio looks likely to remain on the bench when RBS 6 Nations leaders England - the only unbeaten side after two rounds of action - resume their title bid against Murrayfield hosts Scotland on February 25.

But the 33-year-old World Cup winner knows competition for places is intense, especially with England having won six out of seven Tests since Martin Corry took over as captain from Jason Robinson last season.

''Everyone who is on the bench wants to be in the team,'' said Dallaglio, who boarded a breakfast time flight from Rome on Sunday before leading Wasps against Premiership opponents Northampton just eight hours later.

''But we have got to accept that the guys who are in the team are playing very well at the moment. You have just got to be ready when you get your chance.''

Dallaglio's fellow England substitute and Wasps team-mate Matt Dawson could break into the starting XV against Scotland, though.

Scrum-half Dawson's 53rd-minute introduction for Harry Ellis sparked England, and they turned a precarious 10-9 advantage into a 15-point victory through three converted tries following his arrival.

''Italy showed last week against Ireland what a tough nut they are to crack, and they continued in the same vein,'' added Dallaglio.

''There were certain aspects of our performance we will be disappointed with, but we got a result and we will move on.''