Italy consider moving match- winning fullback to cover injuries
JAMES Tedesco could make the shock switch to five- eighth as Italy try desperately to save their World Cup campaign.
The tournament is over for halfback Jack Johns after scans confirmed the 20- year- old had broken his arm during Sunday’s shock loss to Ireland.
And with Terry Campese ready to return from a calf injury, Tedesco, who is one of the game’s great No. 1s, might partner him in the halves.
Italy coach Cameron Ciral- do said the bold move had been discussed and Tedesco was happy to oblige if needed against the USA in Townsville on Sunday.
“We’re two halves down after last week’s game,’’ Ciraldo said. “We have to look at all our options and Teddy would be more than capable of handling five- eighth.
“It wouldn’t be a bad challenge for himself to try a different position. By the time we see how many are busted and bruised from the weekend, we have to look at every option.
“Teddy said he’s keen if the team needs him. He just wants us to have a good game this week. And whether that’s at five- eighth or fullback, he just wants us to put in a better performance.’’
Tedesco could become the second club fullback to make the move to five- eighth at this World Cup after Jarryd Hayne did likewise for Fiji.
Ireland did a good job on Tedesco and their coach Mark Ashton said footage provided by his assistant and former NRL prop Brett White had helped them do work.
The 36- 12 boilover against Ireland in the stifling Cairns heat also came at a cost when Johns left the field clutching his left arm not long after halftime.
The son of Matty Johns was ambushed for most of the first half as Italy struggled for possession and he returned to Sydney yesterday with his arm in a cast.
He was one of several big injuries over the weekend.
Australia’s Jake Trbojevic their home- tore his pectoral and New Zealand’s Gerard Beale broke his ankle.
England’s Sam Burgess also suffered a knee injury but hopes to be back in time for the quarter- finals.
“It’s shattering for Jack, but he’s only 20 and he will go on to much bigger things,’’ Ciraldo said.
“He’ll play for us again in the future, but that won’t make it any easier for him watching the next couple of games.
“The physios are confident Campo will be back playing.”