A taste of Italy – the Azzurri men to watch
ITALY have shipped 91 points in their defeats to France and England in this season’s Six Nations, while another loss to Ireland in Rome tomorrow would be their 30th successive defeat in the championship.
Yet Andy Farrell has labelled the Azzurri “dangerous” opponents and yesterday was at pains to point out the fact that Franco Smith’s side are capable of hurting the opposition.
It’s a fresh-faced team with lots of talent and attacking ability, but their risk-taking comes at a cost while their defence is still very suspect.
Still, they’ve managed to score more tries than Ireland so far and have some exciting players in their ranks. Here’s why Ireland are taking them seriously.
THE COACH
Franco Smith is known within the game for his smart approach to attack. The soft-spoken South African is highly respected for his creative approach and has bags of experience in the club game.
A former Springbok, he has the smarts to give an Italian team the framework to cause opponents problems.
THE CREATOR-IN-CHIEF
Smith has backed 21-year-old out-half
Paolo Garbisi as his main man. The Benetton No 10 made his debut against Ireland in October and has started every game since as the coach looks to build the team around the young hot-shot from Treviso.
A law student, Garbisi looks like being the answer to Italy’s longstanding problem in the position.
Since the great Diego Dominguez retired, successive Italian pivots haven’t been up to the job, but the young gun has a strong running game, a tactical brain and a strong boot.
THE WELSHMAN
Gloucester scrum-half Stephen Varney qualifies to play for Italy through his mother and has been an excellent addition.
He played with Garbisi at U-20s level, and the 21-year-old has a strong running game and a good pass, while his understanding with his No 10 was on full show against England.
THE POWERHOUSE
Argentina-born centre Juan Ignacio Brex has been one of the best players of this year’s tournament, with his ability to make and break tackles on show against superior opposition thus far.
The former sevens international was on the fringes of the Pumas squad before moving to Europe and has been a strong performer this season.
THE FINISHER
Provincial fans will be aware of Monty Ioane who has been one of the shrewdest recruits to the PRO14 with Benetton.
The Australian-born star is a hardrunning winger who has excellent footwork and a canny ability to beat defenders. He scored his first try against England last time out.
THE EXPERIENCED HEAD
Whereas once Italy were known for their gnarled frontrow, the current crop are more about their flash backs and that makes them easier to play against.
Captain Luca Bigi is a bit of throwback to the old days and it’s on him to keep the set-piece together and win the hard yards up front.
THE FINISHERS
Smith follows Rassie Erasmus’s lead in trying to finish strong and he picks his strongest front-row of GIanmarco Lucchesi, Cherif Traore and Giosue Zilocchi in reserve for maximum impact.