I can turn Italy into winners, insists O’Shea
to change that mindset — but we will because there are good young players in Italy. I have told the players we are going to have some tough times as we get fitter and mentally stronger: the two big things we need to improve.
“It’s not a bigger job than I expected but there are a lot of facets to it. We have to work on the things we can control and the quality of players here is better than I thought. Historically, the problem has been compounding error upon error. When you think the world is against you, that kind of thing happens.
“We want to win matches but the first job is to become competitive. The intention is to fight tooth and nail to make the changes but I still want to put in great performances in the short term.”
Italy have never beaten England and, after conceding nearly 100 points in defeats to Wales 33-7 and Ireland 63-10, the idea that the reigning champions can be turned over at Twickenham is difficult to comprehend. Yes, Italy can produceduce shocks — asa they proved in beating South Africa last November — but they followefollowed this up with a loss to Tonga a weekwee later.
“There willwil always be discussions but we have earned the right with performan performances over the years to be where we a are — and until the rules change thereth is no debate,” said O’Shea. “We have to learn, we have to g get mentally stronger — and we haveh a lot to change in Italian rugby to get that. It is going to be a big ask but I just hope we put up a perform
anc ance to be proud of.”
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