AUSTRALIA v ITALY:FORMER AUSTRALIA rugby league international Craig Gower can expect a tough initiation to Test rugby when he makes his debut for Italy against the Wallabies in Canberra today.
Gower quit rugby league two years ago and left Australia to play club rugby in France but is back home after being chosen to represent Italy, who he qualifies for through his Italian-born grandfather.
His selection at outhalf has added a new dimension to a match that Australia are expected to win easily, although the Wallabies were careful not to underestimate their opponents.
The Wallabies have won all 10 of their previous matches with Italy, who have not won a Test all year and finished bottom of Europe’s Six Nations this year.
“That doesn’t reflect our mindset going into this game at all. We’re very aware of the Italians,” Australia captain Stirling Mortlock said yesterday. “In particular, we’re very wary of them at the set piece, what they bring to the breakdown, to the tackle area and also.
“I guess, there’s a bit more of the unknown with Gower at 10.”
Mortlock said the Wallabies would be keeping a close eye on Sydney-born Gower.
Gower is one two Australian-born players in the Italian team, the other being fullback Luke McLean. Italy’s South African coach Nick Mallett said the pair were expecting to be heavily targeted by the Wallabies, but were relishing the prospect of playing against their homeland.
“I can’t imagine any sportsmen who, when he plays against the country that he grew up in, wouldn’t want to prove to that country that he has got really good talent and would like to show them what they’re missing,” Mallett said. “Both Craig and Luke will both want to do the best they possibly can for this Italian group who have given them this opportunity to play at this level.”
AUSTRALIA:J OConnor, L Turner, S Mortlock (capt), B Barnes, DMitchell; M Giteau, L Burgess; B Robinson, S Moore, A Baxter, J Horwill, N Sharpe, D Mumm, G Smith, R Brown. Replacements: T Polota-Nau, B Alexander, P Kimlin, D Pocock, J Valentine, Q Cooper, A Ashley-Cooper.
ITALY:L McLean; K Robertson, Mi Bergamasco, M Pratichetti, A Sgarbi; C Gower, P Canavosio; S Perugini, L Ghiraldini, F Staibano, Q Geldenhuys, C del Fava, A Zanni, Ma Bergamasco, S Parisse (capt). Replacements: F Sbaraglini, I Rouyet, M Bortolami, P Derbyshire, T Tebaldi, K Burton, G Garcia.
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