Del Fava returns to his roots
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:11
Italian lock Carlo del Fava will face his childhood heroes on Saturday when Italy face the Springboks in a once-off Test at Newlands.
It will be a home-coming for both Italian coach Nick Mallett and second row Carlo del Fava when they pit themselves against the world champions on Saturday.
Del Fava was born and brought up in Umtata near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, until he left for Italy in 2003.
Having already played for South Africa and the Sharks Under-21 teams, it didn't take him long to make his mark with new club Overmach Parma.
Within a matter of months he made his Italy debut against Wales in Cardiff. His great grandfather immigrated to South Africa from Lucca in Tuscany and like all young men in rugby-mad South Africa, Del Fava grew up wanting to wear the Green and Gold.
Instead he is now looking forward to testing himself against the world champions for the first time.
"I was born here, and like all lads who grow up in South Africa, my dream was to be a Springbok. Now though I have the possibility of playing against them wearing the Italy shirt," he said.
"All I can say is it feels strange. It will be a big challenge for Italy. For us in the second row the fatigue on Saturday evening will be something else."
Del Fava became a permanent fixture in the team during the Six Nations. The Ulster captain is now excited by the chance to test himself against the Springboks and in particular, opposite numbers Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.
"They're phenomenal and are the best second row pair in the world. Taking them on will be a nightmare, but it is the type of challenge every player wants to face.
"Second row is a role where you have to be hungry and you have to want to go to war in every match. On Saturday we will need to gain parity there."
Such has been the rise of Del Fava since the 2007 World Cup, that coach Mallett is expecting the 28-capped player to be one of Italy's key areas in the match at Newlands.
"We have two excellent second row forwards in Del Fava and Santiago Dellape. Del Fava above all has developed a great deal these past couple of seasons with Bourgion and Ulster.
"Certainly it won't be easy for Santiago and Carlo. The South African pair of Matfield and Botha have no rivals in their position," Mallet added.
AFP
