Preview: Italy v Pacific Islanders
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:12
Nick Mallett will disagree, naturally, but Italy look vulnerable enough to become the Pacific Islanders' first victim on the rugby field.
Not that the conglomerate from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have been looking like world beaters on their latest excursion from the South Pacific.
In fact the Islanders have looked less likely to topple a big gun now than when they first stepped onto the international stage four years ago - in a series of matches against SANZAR rivals South Africa, New Zealand and Australia back in 2004.
At least then they displayed their famed try-scoring ability.
In their six previous matches - before this year's trip to Europe - the Pacific Islanders scored four tries in a game on three occasions, three tries in two other games and averaged almost four tries per game.
This trip - which has seen them crash 13-39 to England and 17-42 to France - has brought just two scores and none of that flair that marked the rise of Fiji and Tonga at last year's World Cup, when both ran world champions South Africa close.
But, if their current form and eight-match losing streak is not exactly inspiring confidence, they can take heart from the fact that their opponents at Stadio Giglio, in the northern city of Reggio Emilio, on Saturday have not exactly looked in great shape either this month.
Mallett's Azzurri looked every bit an experimental outfit as they lost 20-30 to Australia and 14-22 to Argentina.
While Italy have managed to run their opponents close, a careful study of their two November Tests will tell you that their forward pack has not been nearly as awe inspiring as the reputation that comes with being an Azzurri front man.
And Mallett's search for a stable backline combination have also produced very few positive results - forcing him to move Mirco Bergamasco back into the centres to shore up his leaky midfield defence.
Either way, this game presents the Islanders' best opportunity yet to break their four-year, eight-match Test duck.
Players to watch:
For Italy: The decision to move Mirco Bergamasco back into midfield means the spotlight will automatically shine on him, but captain and No.8 Sergio Parisse is always worth more than just a cursory glance - especially since he is in line for the International Rugby Board Player of the Year award - which will be handed out in Dublin on Sunday.
For the Pacific Islanders: The decision by Pacific Islanders coach Quddus Fielea to drop captain Mosese Rauluni means Sililo Martens automatically steps into the spotlight. However, a total of seven changes means it is as much the coaching staff as the players that will be under scrutiny. Continuity has not been a hallmark of this tour.
Head to head: They are not rated alongside the likes of Dan Carter and Matt Giteau in the flyhalf stakes, but Andrea Marcato (Italy) and Seremaia Bai (Pacific Islanders) are two players who each have a unique set of talents and can do special things when given the opportunity. But most importantly, they will control the destiny of their respective teams.
Previous results:
These two teams have never met before.
Prediction: There is no doubt that if the Pacific Islanders play to their full potential - and not take cheap, head-high shots at the opposition - they are in with a very real chance. Italy's pack have not lived up to its reputation and certainly can lay the platform for a compelling victory. We want to make the romantic call and say the Islanders will break their duck. However, the Azzurri will be fired up and we feel their pack will dominate and clear the way for an easy win - Italy by 15 points.
Teams:
Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Mirco Bergamasco, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Matteo Pratichetti, 10 Andrea Marcato, 9 Pietro Travagli, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Josh Sole, 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Tommaso Reato, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Andrea Lo Cicero, 18 Salvatore Perugini, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Pablo Canavosio/Giulio Toniolatti, 21 Luke McLean, 22 Riccardo Pavan.
Pacific Islanders: 15 Kameli Ratuvou, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Epi Taione, 11 Vilimoni Delasau, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Sililo Martens, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Nili Latu (captain), 6 Viliami Vaki, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Taniela Fuga, 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Tonga Lea'aetoa, 18 Semisi Naevo, 19 Hale Pole, 20 Mosese Rauluni, 21
Seru Rabeni, 22 Gavin Williams.
Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Stadio Giglio, Reggio Emilio
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Weather: Cloudy, with a low of 5°C and a high of 12°C
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Touch judges: Christophe Berdos, Hugh Watkins (Wales)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)
