Italians out to 'test the best'
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:59
Hunting Bok scalps: Alessandro Zanni on the charge
Italy's mission statement on their tour of South Africa might not be to dethrone the world champion Springboks, but their players are certainly honoured by the opportunity to test their ability against arguably the best rugby team on the planet.
Italy coach Nick Mallett said on Tuesday that it would be "naive" to think that Italy could just march into the Boks backyard and beat them in a Test match, especially considering that Mallett's squad is missing a number of key players, due to injury and club commitments.
But the young group of Italian players are certainly not down and out about their upcoming match against the Boks.
On the contrary, the squad are itching to use Saturday's Newlands Test as an experience card that will enhance their knowledge of the requirements at the highest level.
Calvisano flank Alessandro Zanni and Gloucester prop Carlos Nieto spoke exclusively to rugby365.com, and revealed their thoughts ahead of their two-Test summer tour, which also includes an encounter against Argentina in Cordoba on June 28.
"It's my first tour against South Africa, and I'm very excited to [have a chance to play] against the world champions," said 24-year-old flank Zanni.
"South Africa are a very strong team, perhaps the [best] team in the world. Every player who has the chance to play against South Africa should feel very proud.
"It is good for the Italy team [to be touring South Africa], to try and learn to better their rugby against the strongest team in the world. I think Italy has a young team, with lots of new players. There is not a lot of international experience for a lot of our players."
Zanni said that the Italy players had to make sure they approach the match against the Springboks with a smart attitude.
"I think we have to play with a lot of intelligence, with heart, with spirit. We have to try and play a clever match [against South Africa]."
If selected, the 22-times capped Zanni will come up against world-class opposition loose forwards like Juan Smith and possibly Schalk Burger. Zanni said that he was keen on testing himself against such illustrious players.
"I have seen them play in the Super 14. They are strong, fast players, who are good ball carriers, and good in the tackle. It is great for me to have the opportunity to play against this [level of] player, and also a good opportunity for the team.
"I think attitude is important. Those players work harder, they are physically [impressive]. Their [overall preparation] is better."
Italy prop Carlos Nieto is one of the more senior players in the squad, and much will rest on his shoulders to lead the inexperienced youngsters through the fire against the Boks.
The front row forward has been part of English club Gloucester since 2006. Gloucester dominated the past two Guinness Premiership seasons, ending top of the league in consecutive years before suffering losses in the play-offs.
Nieto, who has represented Italy 26 times over a period of six years, echoed the sentiments of his coach, pointing out that winning at Newlands was not the ultimate goal for the touring side.
"We know we are playing against the world champions," said Nieto. "I don't think the priority is winning the game. It is more about winning the respect of South Africa.
"I think we will try to involve the young players who came here with the team, and continue to learn and understand the way that Nick [Mallett] wants us to play, is very important."
Nieto also revealed the positive influence that Mallett has had on the Italy set-up since joining as head coach late in 2007.
"We play a much more structured game [under Mallett].
"At first, under Berbizier, we [didn't have] a lot of structure in our game, and we needed to change a lot.
"For a Latin team like us, like Italy, it is hard to understand that. We needed time to do that. But I think it is good for us. We sometimes need structure to play well.
"I think all professional teams now are trying to find that [balance between] structure and personal skills," Nieto said.
After their Test match in South Africa, the Italians will take on Argentina, who have started their summer schedule off with a win and a loss against Scotland.
Nieto felt that the Test against the World Cup bronze medallists would present the Italians with a challenge that they could well conquer.
"I think we can beat Argentina. They are also missing lots of players," Nieto said confidently.
"They have changes many players after the World Cup, when they tried to [give exposure] to many people. I think it is a good opportunity for us to win a Test."
By Phil Coetzer
