OVER THE NEXT five days, we’ll attempt to stoop lower than Gordon D’Arcy at rucktime to bring you all the necessary information on the teams who will form Ireland’s opposition during this year’s Six Nations.
How about that coach?
Jacques Brunel is in his second year at the helm, but is not much closer to making his dream – imposing a French game-plan across the Alps – a success.
©INPHO/James Crombie
How’d they get on in November?
Not bad at all. Obviously, they lost to New Zealand, but began the month with a 28-23 win over Tonga. Scoring three tries to one in that game was made more impressive by the Pacific Islanders going out the following week and beating Scotland.
One try was also all Australia could muster in the Test in Florence. Indeed, the Wallabies were held scoreless for a full 50 minutes after they had roared into a 19-point lead after 29 minutes. Italy gave them a scare, but couldn’t get closer than 19-22 in the final quarter.
Ah yeah, They’ve a great pack, y’see. That always gives them a chance.
In the main, yes. Their back rows are set to star, with captain Sergio Parisse flanked by Alessandro Zanni and Roberto Barbieri. But, while no front row containing Martin Castrogiovanni is ever to be trifled with, warhorses like him and Andrea Lo Cicero are getting on a bit. Expect Lorenzo Cittadini to get a lot of game time as the Azzuri look to thrive on the bonus addition of more prop space on the bench.
The second row is where Italy have shown, well… not weakness, but you know what I mean. They had plodded along with the imported Quintin Geldenhuys and Cornelius van Zyl, but now have a batch of second rows they reckon will provide real grunt, real passion. Chief amongst them is Treviso’s Francesco Minto.
But who’s behind them?
Ah, Italy’s fatal flaw. The kids with footballing talent tend to prefer playing actual football. The back line will be made up of Aironi and Treviso players with the exception of Wasps’ Andrea Masi who is likely to take up fullback duties.
Edoardo Gori seems to have a lock on the number nine shirt while Luciano Orquera has the pressure of steering the ship with Kris Burton and Tobias Botes also contenders at out half.
How’s the kicker?
Though Mirco Bergamasco never looked pretty kicking the ball, he was damn effective. His injury will make Italy’s task all the more difficult as none of their kicking options have the consistency to sneak through tight games.
Any big guns retired?
Hooker Fabio Ongaro has hung up his blue jersey. Opening the door for Leonardo Ghiraldini to have the spot all to himself. Mauro Bergamasco may not be far behind, the flanker was omitted from the Six Nations squad with Paul Derbyshire called up in his place.
Any injury strife?
Brunel does have a few fitness concerns aside from the younger Bergamasco. Lock Joshua Furno is likely to miss the opening bout with France and his fellow second row Antonio Pavanello will need to shake off a thigh strain.
Likely starting XV
Masi; Venditti, Benvenuti, Sgarbi, McClean; Orquera, Gori: LoCicero, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni; Pavanello, Minto; Zanni, Barbieri, Parisse.
