Match Preview: Wallabies v. Italy

The fans, the players and the coach are all fed up and frustrated with the Wallabies so far this season.

This year the Wallabies have suffered a Lions defeat, a Bledisloe defeat, a failed Rugby Championship campaign and most recently a failed Grand Slam attempt. The Azzurri will be looking to ambush the struggling Wallabies.

This game is a dangerous one for the Wallabies who face an improving Italian side. Italy have proved that they are capable of competing against the top teams after defeating France and Ireland in the Six Nations this year. They also came close to producing an upset against the Wallabies on last year’s Spring Tour.

Adam Ashley-Cooper is wary of the Italians.

‘They will be really motivated…they have that game of unpredictability and that’s dangerous. You can’t really anticipate how they are going to play. You know they’re going to bring a lot of passion and physicality but you never know how the game is going to turn out.’

The selection of Rob Simmons at blindside flanker as a replacement for Scott Fardy will increase options at the lineout with James Horwill and Ben Mowen the only other recognised jumpers. He should also add a bit of weight to the scrum.

Australian-born fullback Luke McLean has been named at No.15 for his 50th appearance for the Azzurri. He claims that a win this weekend against the Wallabies would be the ‘biggest victory in Italian history’.

Head to head

The Wallabies have won all 15 games against Italy since 1983. Last year the Wallabies won a tightly fought battle to triumph 22-19.

The scrum

Many have suggested the Azzurri will target the Wallabies scrum after they were penalised numerous times against the English last week. However, the officials may think twice about penalising the Australian scrum after Ewen McKenzie sent off a letter to the IRB complaining about the way the scrum was interpreted. The pack will definitely be under pressure here.

Key match-ups

Sergio Parisse v. Ben Mowen

The two number eights will captain their respective teams. Parisse will play his 99th Test match while Mowen will play just his 12th. Ben Mowen did not have his best game in a Wallabies jersey last weekend and will be looking to have good game this week which would include dominating his 6 ft 5 in, 104kg opposite number.

Martin Castrogiovanni v. James Slipper

Castrogiovanni is considered one of the best scrummagers in the world. It will be a huge test for James Slipper who has come under some heavy criticism for his performance in the scrum, particularly against England last week. This match-up could be crucial as to how both teams perform in the scrum which could determine the outcome of the match.

Prediction

The Wallabies will be low on confidence, though I’m optimistic and I think the Wallabies will be capable of a performance similar to the one against Argentina in Rosario earlier this year.



Wallabies by 20. [that’s ballsy! – Ed.]

Where and when

Stadio Olimpico, Turin, Sunday 12.45am AEST (01.45am AEDT)

Wallabies 15. Israel Folau

14. Adam Ashley-Cooper

13. Tevita Kuridrani

12. Matt Toomua

11. Nick Cummins

10. Quade Cooper (VC)

9. Will Genia

8. Ben Mowen (C)

7. Michael Hooper

6. Rob Simmons

5. James Horwill

4. Sitaleki Timani

3. Ben Alexander

2. Stephen Moore

1. James Slipper. Reserves:

16. Saia Fainga’a

17. Benn Robinson

18. Sekope Kepu

19. Dave Dennis

20. Liam Gill

21. Nic White

22. Christian Leali’ifano

23. Joe Tomane.