Battle for Azzuri No.9 jersey
Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:28
Italian scrumhalves Pablo Canavosio and Simon Picone will be locked in a battle to secure the No.9 Test jersey when the Azzuri face South Africa and Argentina in the coming weeks.
Canavosio, who is one of a number of Italian players who was born and grew up in Argentina, has often been selected on the wing, as he was in the opening Six Nations match against Ireland before limping off early with a hamstring injury.
Picone, meanwhile, held off the challenge of Pietro Travagli in the Six Nations and put in some impressive performances, not least against England when he scored Italy's late try.
The 27-year-old Canavosio realises that Picone will probably be coach Nick Mallett's first choice scrumhalf, but is delighted to be back in contention for the pivotal role.
"I think that Simon will start during the tour, definitely against the Springboks and probably against the Pumas. If I do make it onto the field I will try to give 100 percent in a role that I feel suits me better."
The tour couldn't give the Azzurri a tougher start, up against the World Cup winners fresh from two test wins over Wales and Canavosio knows they can expect no let up when they continue to South America.
"It will definitely be extremely difficult. We're missing a lot of first choice players from the Six Nations and South Africa and Argentina don't need any introduction."
For Canavosio the Cordoba Test on June 28 is likely to be an emotional return for the Castres player, as he was born in the city before he decided to try his hand in Europe.
"We are playing in Cordoba where I was born and brought up, where I first started playing this sport. In fact we will train at the club where I played before I chose Italy, La Tablada."
Picone feels that having such a quality player can push him to better performances.
"Competition is inevitable but I've got to take it on in a positive and determined manner. I need to do what is best for the team, to help them and perform to my maximum," said Picone.
"It is true that Pablo hasn't played at scrumhalf much, especially at international level. But he's matured in that position and shouldn't have too many problems getting his head around changing his role."
It was a disappointing end to the season for Picone who was part of the Treviso team that lost to Calvisano in the final of the Italian championship, but he realises he needs to shrug off the disappointment with the next match against the world champion South Africans in Cape Town on June 21.
SAPA
