Brunel wary of Scotland

Editor

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has warned against a possible backlash from Scotland in Saturday's clash in Rome.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has warned against a possible backlash from Scotland in Saturday's clash in Rome.

Scotland arrive in the Italian capital still smarting from a 20-0 reverse to arch-enemies England at Murrayfield two weeks ago, a defeat which served only to stoke criticism of under-fire coach Scott Johnson.

With Italy succumbing to a narrow defeat to Wales (23-15) and then a heavier reverse to France (30-10), Saturday's match has been dubbed a wooden spoon decider.

Scotland, who beat Italy 34-10 at Murrayfield last year, will be looking to make amends. After announcing his team, Brunel said Italy are taking nothing for granted.

“Last year we conceded 34 points at Murrayfield, that's something we have to take into consideration,” Brunel told reporters.

“Recent results haven't been going Scotland's way, but they're one of the teams we seem to have most difficulty with. They have character and always play with determination. They will be tough opponents.”

Saturday's clash should be memorable as Italy captain, number eight Sergio Parisse, and prop Martin Castrogiovanni will both set a new Italian record by claiming their 104th caps.

However it will also be remembered as fly-half Tommaso Allan's first start against the country for whom he played at all previous levels before finally committing to Italy, much to Scotland's displeasure, at the end of last year.

Brunel regularly champions athletic fly-half Allan, who is gaining valuable senior experience with Top 14 side Perpignan, as a potential key player for his side at next year's World Cup.

The Frenchman added: “We've kept faith with Allan because he's played some good rugby throughout the season, as much with Perpignan as with Italy.”

Asked if it would be an emotional game for the Vicenza-born 20-year-old, whose Scottish father and Italian mother met in Italy while both playing the game, Brunel was dismissive.

“I understood from the start of his time with us that he feels truly Italian, even though he has come through the Scottish ranks. For him there's no doubt,” he added.

Veterans Parisse and Castrogiovanni will both become Italy's all-time record cap holders with 104 appearancecs each, in the process overtaking the record of retired prop Andrea Lo Cicero.

“They've both had exemplary careers,” said Brunel.

“And the thing is, they still have the capability to go much further.”