2015 Rugby World Cup Preview: Italy

By Matt Findlay Progressing from pool D will be no mean feat for the Italians, grouped with both Ireland and France, and that's not lost on head coach Jacques Brunel, leading to him select an experienced squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Brunel has named Sergio Parisse – arguably one of the best No.8s to ever play the game - to lead the 31-strong squad, which boasts over 1000 international caps between them. In term of experienced players outside Parisse, veteran prop Martin Castrogiovanni joins 92-cap centre Andrea Masi in competing at a fourth RWC, while flanker Mauro Bergamasco will match Brian Lima's record of appearing in a fifth tournament. But, experience will count for little if the Italians can't execute and, potentially tellingly, they have no time to warm-up as they face France in a must-win clash to open their campaign. “We’re conscious it won’t be easy to progress through the pool phase, as France and Ireland are both above us in the world rankings,”
Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Continue reading this story for free

Create a free account to continue reading and get more of Rugby News' top stories directly to your inbox.

Or, subscribe for unlimited access



error: Content is protected !!