Mallett makes changes for Wales clash
Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:42
Italy coach Nick Mallett announced four changes Thursday to his side for the Azzurri's final match of this Six Nations, against Wales, at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
Right wing Kaine Robertson and scrumhalf Pablo Canavosio, who scored a try after replacing Tito Tebaldi in a lively display during last weekend's 20-46 defeat by Grand Slam-chasing leaders France in Paris, both start.
Meanwhile Andrea Masi moves to outside centre in a rejigged back division.
In the pack, flank Paul Derbyshire and lock Carlo del Fava were both ruled out through injury.
The experienced Josh Sole and Marco Bortolami, who were on standby, will start in Saturday's match.
Italy are fifth in the table, level on points with fourth placed Wales, thanks mainly to a 16-12 victory over winless basement side Scotland in Rome last month.
Victory this weekend would see the Azzurri leapfrog their hosts, but Italy have never beaten Wales in Cardiff and their last visit, two years ago, ended in a record 47-8 defeat.
Italy: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Andrea Masi, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Pablo Canavosio, 8 Alessandro Zanni, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Josh Sole, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Marco Bortolami, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (captain), 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Valerio Bernabo, 19 Manoa Vosawai, 20 Tito Tebaldi, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Gonzalo Canale.
Date: Saturday, March 20
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.30 GMT
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Marinus Jonker (South Africa), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
AFP
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