j615 says...

That XV is probably not far off what it will be. Although I reckon Mallet will go for Orquera.

It is unbelievable that Italy are going into a World Cup without a regular club goal kicker. Even the lower ranked teams such as Canada have an established kicker. Mirco Bergmasco will always be a hero for the France match but its too much asking a part time kicker to step up in a world cup.

Italy have much more exposure than other tier 2 nations i.e. Magners League, Heineken Cup, Amlin Cup and 6 Nations (the Pacific Islands, USA, Canada, Georgia etc would die for this amount of top class Rugby) yet there is no decent Italian born fly-half who can kick at least 75%. Italy have some top class forwards and decent backs but they cannot expect to regularly beat top sides without an adequate kicker.

Posted 18:25 05th August 2011

carpelone says...

Generally, the majority of the team pick 3 hookers and 3 scrumhalves. In addition, Canavosio can be played at wing.. However, I think that Italy has selected too many backs. Do not forget that Bergamasco is just back from a serious injury.

Posted 18:11 03rd August 2011

Carpelone says...

Does anybody know why only five back rowers were included?

Posted 21:55 26th July 2011

Lucasrg says...

Meanwhile I agree with most of the comments about Orquera, nobody mentioned RIccardo Bocchino, which is a pretty interesting fly half, young and pretty athletic. He could be a surprise to everyone. McLean is a good player but lucks of desire and depth....I would go for Bocchino, hoping that he has the stuff for test rugby.

And mind some weird Mallet's experiments in the 9-10 positions although I would like to see Gori - Mclean

The forwards and their substitutes are a pretty solid group.

Posted 03:01 25th July 2011

j615 says...

I really hope Orquera steps up. I can't honestly remember him playing well for Italy. Pez, Marcarto and even Burton all had their moments at fly-half in recent years for Italy now Mallet has trusted Orquera. He must step up because if Italy are to get out of this group they must play out of their skins. Orquera cannot afford to miss tackles, his kicks or throw intercepted passes even against USA and Russia because with Ngwenya, Wyles and Artemyev in the opposition they will get punished. He must boss the game and show Italy and the rest of the world what Mallet sees in him.

Posted 06:03 23rd July 2011

carpelone says...

Agree on McLean at 10. Masi at fullback. Halfback is well covered. Italy can stun Australia if only they believe. Back on Orqura, he can run a backline, ask the Irish. He is a lliability in defence, ask the English.

Posted 22:11 22nd July 2011

rugbylover11 says...

i don't think so!! the islanders will kill italy hehehe

Posted 18:09 22nd July 2011

flyhalf10 says...

I agree Orquera is not up to international standards, but we don't have many options at 10 at the moment... Masi is definitely not an option at flyhalf, hopefully that should allow Riccardo to step up perform well

Posted 16:13 22nd July 2011