ITALY TEAM PROFILE

ONE TO WATCH

LUKE MCLEAN

Luke McLean’s name somewhat stands out on an Italian team sheet but the Queensland-born full-back has no regrets about moving to Italy. At the age of 20 his life was turned upside down when he turned down a Super 14 training contract with Western Force to move to Italy where he qualifies for a passport through his Italian Grandmother and his Mother who was born in Italy. McLean helped Calvisano to the Italian Super 10 title in 2008, only their second in almost 70 years. He enjoys living in Italy apart from when he has to drive anywhere: “The Italians are very laid back in life and then they get in a car and the Formula One comes out.”

Parisse, was also a colossus from number eight where he confirmed his status as Europe’s most dynamic and exciting back row forward. The Stade Francais star was devastating throughout and it was his interception that led to Gonzalo Canale’s crucial try in Italy’s narrow victory over Scotland in the final match.

It is likely that Mallet will name a reshuffled backs cordon after experimenting during the Autumn Internationals. The most significant change is Pablo Canavosio who has won most of his caps on the wing, moving into scrum-half. Gonzalo Garcia looks set for his first involvement in the Six Nations after the centre turned down an opportunity to play for his native Argentina in favour of Italy where he turns out for Calvisano. His compatriot,

front row forward Matias Aguero of Saracens, has been recalled to the squad after sporadically appearing since 2005. Tomasso Reato will also be looking to win more caps after being called up to the side in the 2008 Six Nations; but faces a formidable task to win selection ahead of experienced second row pairing Marco Bortolami and Carlos Del Fava who have almost 100 appearances between them. Giulio Toniolatti could be another to make a Six Nations debut after the Capitolina scrum-half was called up for the Autumn Internationals. n

Right Pablo Canavosio has switched from the wing to scrum-half for the 2009 Six Nations

THE LOWDOWN

STRENGTHS

Italy’s pack have been their strength ever since they were first included in the Six Nations. Parisse and Mauro Bergamasco ply their trade in France for Stade Francais with Marco Bortolami, Carlos Nieto and Castrogiovanni in England with Gloucester and Leicester. They are a group of all round players who are aggressive in the breakdown, strong in the set piece and carry well. As set piece specialists, Italy have no problem winning or keeping the ball. Opposition teams should avoid taking them on up front. The Azzurri are a true unit and there is always a great spirit in the camp. Around two-thirds of the starting fifteen have more than 30 caps for their nation.

WEAKNESSES

Mallet has continually experimented with his three-quarters since taking over and still doesn’t seem to have found a winning formula. They need time to formulate partnerships at half back, in the midfield and the back three. They lack a cutting edge that would give them the ability to win many more games. Lapses in concentration have too often left themselves vulnerable and led to them throwing away winning situations. If Italy are to pick up points this year, they must maintain the focus and intensity with which they start for 80 minutes.

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