Rugby, a South Africa-bis against the Azzurri in search of confirmation
Only one change in the Azzurri XV, with Riccioni at right prop in place of Ferrari. On the bench Quesada sends six forwards and two quarter-backs
It has long been rumoured that world champion South Africa, coached by the ingenious Rassie Erasmus and first in the world rankings, could field at least two different teams without substantial drops in performance. There have been many changes, in fact, with surprising changes of role, nor are there any shortages of gimmicks outside the box. And if a litmus test is needed, it could come tomorrow at the Juventus Stadium.
The 'Springboks' are grappling with an extra-large November: five Test matches in five weekends and the need to rotate players according to commitments. So far the calendar has presented them with Japan, easily beaten 61-7 in the London setting of Wembley, and France, subdued physically, technically and psychologically: in Paris it ended 32-17 despite the fact that the visitors had to play 30 minutes with a man down, due to de Jager's expulsion.
Now, halfway through a European tour that will conclude with challenges to Ireland and Wales, it is rotation time, South Africa-bis. With 11 changes compared to the XV that took the field against the transalpines. Not even stars like Kolbe, Mngomezulu, du Toit, Etzebeth and Marx go on the bench.
And Gonzalo Quesada, Italy's coach, who in Udine achieved the second-ever success against Australia, seems at least intrigued by the choices of his Erasmus colleague: 'With him,' he says, 'you always have to "expect the unexpected". Already the bench, without a regular hooker, gives us a glimpse of some peculiar solutions. And the team chosen from the starting whistle is largely made up of players who in training opposed those who were starters against France. In short, we will be facing a group that has worked together, with players who want to show themselves, with a very high degree of motivation. Their front line is young, but strong. We must try to put them under pressure.
Only one change in the Azzurri XV, with Riccioni at right prop in place of Ferrari. On the bench Quesada sends six forwards and two quarter-backs, with Favretto and Odiase coming in. "The objective is always to raise standards," said the Argentine coach. "The match against Australia was a good one, but we could have taken advantage of a few more opportunities and two-three of the penalties conceded to the opponents were avoidable
