CROSSROADS FOR AZZURRI AS O’SHEA HAS TO PROVE CAN COMPETE
COACH: CONOR O’SHEA: The
C Limerick born former Ireland ONOR O’Shea readily admits Italian rugby is standing at a crossfull-back is heading into his first roads. The former Harlequins chief, who has taken over from Six Nations since taking over from Jacques Brunel, is desperate to ensure that the historic headJacques Brunel. He has a huge job on turning November victory over South Africa – Italy’s first against his hands to reinvigorate the Azzurri, one of the southern hemisphere big three – doesn’t become another of but the early signs are encouraging. those stirring, passion-filled one-off Italian triumphs.
So, can we really expect a rugby renaissance in the Eternal City? 33 A win against Wales in Rome on the opening weekend would certainly be a major statement by the Azzurri. Giving the others a run for their money would be another significant step forward. CAPTAIN: SERGIO PARISSE: years old and still as influential as ever. It is hard to imagine Italy without their talismanic No. 8. Heading into his 14th Six Nations. KEY MAN: SERGIO PARISSE: Who else? One of the all-time greats. Leads from the front, a strong carrier with deft handling skills. Just needs a bit of work on his drop goals. YOUNGSTER TO WATCH: MICHELE CAMPAGNARO: Burst onto the scenes with two tries and a man-of-the-match performance against Wales in Cardiff three years ago. The skilful centre is still only 23 and has been looking the part for Exeter Chiefs of late. STRENGTHS: A new coach equals fresh purpose. Parisse, courage, heart, passion and the ability to produce stirring one-off results at home. The arrival of Brendan Venter should help inject muchneeded steel to the defence. WEAKNESSES: Too many players have become accustomed to being whipping boys at Test level and in the Pro12. Defence is prone to go AWOL, particularly when the Azzurri leave Rome. Control at half-back a perennial issue as is ill-discipline. KEY INJURIES: Italy are close to fully loaded. Treviso prop Simone Ferrari, the likely replacement for the retired Martin Castrogiovanni, is missing. LAST TIME OUT: Bottom of the pile without a win – the 11th time Italy have collected the wooden spoon since five became six in 2000. ORDER OF GAMES: Wales (Rome), Ireland (Rome), England (Twickenham), France (Rome), Scotland (Edinburgh). WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “First and foremost, we want to make sure that we focus absolutely 100 per cent on Wales, because the last couple of Six Nations games against them have been difficult. We want to make sure we gain their respect back, and start to earn their respect back, and show that we’re moving in the right direction.” WHAT MOOD ARE THE FANS IN: It got pretty desperate during the final embers of the Brunel tenure, but hope is burning bright under O’Shea, fuelled by that stunning victory over the Boks. A victory in Rome is a target … Wales beware. DID YOU KNOW: The Azzurri have won just three of 12 Six Nations matches at the Stadio Olimpico since moving there from the Stadio Flaminio in
2012. BOOKIES PREDICTION: Not a surprise this, but Italy are being tipped to prop up the rest again. 1,000-1 for the title. WHAT WE SAY: Expect progress under O’Shea – a win and being more competitive against the top sides would tick that box. The Azzurri tend to be a far sterner proposition at the start of the tournament. They will have their eyes on a Welsh scalp for sure.
ROB LLOYD