Masi's massive midfield responsibility
As a stalwart in the Italy team in recent years, French-based centre Andrea Masi will be a key figure for the Azzurri when they face the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday. Planet Rugby caught up with the laid-back Italian in an exclusive interview on the eve of the big day.
As a stalwart in the Italy team in recent years, French-based centre Andrea Masi will be a key figure for the Azzurri when they face the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday. Planet Rugby caught up with the laid-back Italian in an exclusive interview on the eve of the big day.
Speaking in French, the 27-year-old, revealed the pleasure of returning to his preferred position of centre after having to fill-in at fly-half, his admiration of South Africa's centres and Italy's hopes of pulling off a victory in Argentina.
Masi made his debut for Italy in 1999 and has gone on to win 40 caps for his country, making him one of the most capped players in the touring squad (only lock Santiago Dellapé and hooker Fabio Ongaro have more, with 50 and 53 respectively.)
Starting in the number thirteen jersey outside two uncapped players in fly-half Luke McLean and inside centre Gonzalo Garcia, Masi's experience on the big stage will be invaluable in midfield against the star-studded Springboks.
Italy coach Nick Mallett has had to do without a lot of players due to club commitments in France, so he would have given a sigh of relief when Biarritz did not qualify for the French Top 14 semi-finals, making the 97kg centre available for selection.
Planet Rugby: Andrea, how have you enjoyed your stay in South Africa so far? How are the preparations going?
Andrea Masi: I like South Africa, I've visited once before in 2002 when I played in the Junior World Championships. So I know Johannesburg, but I've never been to Cape Town before. Preparations have gone well; we've recovered well from the long journey here and we're feeling good.
PR: Your club, Biarritz, had a pretty disappointing Top 14 season in France, how has that affected you?
AM: Yes, we had a very disappointing season. We had some problems with our coach (Patrice) Lasiquet who wasn't really happy and it influenced the team. The club is coming to the end of a cycle and things weren't working out well.
PR: Does that mean there was a lack of motivation?
AM: Yes, maybe you can say so. There were some problems in the way things were working between the players and with the coach. There will be a lot of changes for next season so hopefully it will be much better.
PR: Italy have had a lot of problems finding a fly-half and you had to wear the number ten jersey at the World Cup and the Six Nations. Nick Mallett has named you at outside centre; Do you prefer playing there rather than at fly-half?
AM: Yes, I'm a centre. That's my position. I've been standing in at fly-half because Nick asked me to. There was no one else to play in the position at the World Cup and the Six Nations so I did my best for the team, but it's not my position. So, I'm happy to be playing centre again.
I normally play at twelve but thirteen is fine, it's the same really. Now we've got Luke Mclean who is going to play at number ten; he's a good player so he should do well.
PR: Andrea, you're one of the most capped players in the squad, in fact only two other players have more caps than you. You're even a lot more experienced than the captain; do you have a significant leadership role in the squad?
AM: Yes definitely. Nick has asked four or five of us to act as leaders in the team. Especially in training where our experience on tour is very important, he's asked us to help the younger players – to give them confidence.
PR: What about your opposition on Saturday, how have you prepared for them, have you come up with a plan to beat them?
AM: (Smiles) Well, we know they are very physical and very fast. (Jean) De Villiers is one of the best in the world. We know they are better than us but we'll try to be competitive.
PR: You're off to Argentina next, do you think you've got a better chance of winning there?
AM: Yes, we're looking forward to it. I think we can do well, and depending on who wins the semi-finals in France, maybe we'll have some extra players (laughs). But you know, it's been a long season. For some of us we've been at it since before the World Cup so we're looking forward to a rest and some vacation.
PR: What about the future, are you going to stay in France?
AM: Yes, I've still got two years left on my contract with Biarritz and I like it there. I don't know, maybe there will be some other Italians joining the club in the future…
PR: Grazie Andrea, Good luck.
AM: Sure, ciao!
By Ross Hastie in Cape Town