[2014 Mid-Year Tests] Italy

[Big Ewis]

I feel Italy are a quality 10 away from being a side that can challenge the likes of England, Wales, Argentina, etc (Basically any side that isn't NZ/SA, possibly the Wallabies). If they can get someone who puts the likes of Campagnario and Sarto (Who looks to be a really good winger in his own right) into space whilst being a high-percentage goal kicker (Which is what they really, really need, especially considering the gameplan they have to employ thanks to their excellent pack) then they should be looking at a very competitive team.

well their pack has been operational this year but not "excellent" though, that's another issue. They need to recycle it, all their guys besides Josh Furno are in their fkng 30's, literally. That generation has already started to crumble a little with guys retiring. Castrogiovanni isn't as good as he used to be and seems to be better off the bench now than a starter. They've got rejuvenation and talent in the backline, but can't afford to play wide a whole lot yet. And then yes, Tommaso Allan is way young and the 10 position needs a whole lot of regularity and accuracy which he doesn't possess yet.

But the huge issue has been their defense. They can create phases on offense and answer the call up front in the scrum and setpiece in general, but their defense has been downright Tier 2, no question. The only times they defended well were in Cardiff, somewhat in Paris and against Scotland. Just a reminder:
- they ship 7 tries and 50 points at home to Australia.
- they ship 5 tries and 31 points at home to Fiji, which had as many yellows (five) and were 11 players at a point.
- they ship 7 tries and 46 points in Ireland.
- they ship 7 tries and 52 points at home to England.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I agree on the decline of their pack (Castro in particular is way over the hill), but didn't want to convoluted my point. It's still good enough to keep a game close, and hopefully, as they seem to be bringing new players into the squad, they'll begin to rebuild in the next few years.

I think their defence has worsened under Brunell, even if the rest of their game is noteably better than it was with Mallet at the helm. Something of the grit is beginning to fade. Can't help but feel they should change it up again after the next World Cup, save for a miracle semi-final spot.

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

In which city will be the third professional Scottish team? Do you have players like to form a third competitive team?

They said the 3rd pro team was to be based in aberdeen which is up north in scotland, and there are alot of people that play rugby in scotland and there is quality players up north which i dont think get that much notice by the scouts

 

[Big Ewis]

I agree on the decline of their pack (Castro in particular is way over the hill), but didn't want to convoluted my point. It's still good enough to keep a game close, and hopefully, as they seem to be bringing new players into the squad, they'll begin to rebuild in the next few years.

I think their defence has worsened under Brunell, even if the rest of their game is noteably better than it was with Mallet at the helm. Something of the grit is beginning to fade. Can't help but feel they should change it up again after the next World Cup, save for a miracle semi-final spot.

for a 1/4F spot you mean, I presume ! they most definitely ain't making the semis !!
And if you mean their defense has degraded under Brunelle as in it's degraded with time under his command I agree, but if you're saying it's been bad the whole time he's been there obviously that's wrong.
I'm not sure what's happened to them from about November 2012/2013 6N to summer 2013 til now...but they've lost a ton of games, and conceded a huge amount of tries.
They played fantastic defense against Australia in November 2012, and held for a long time against the All-Blacks too, but in comparison got SMASHED by Australia the next EOYT in 2013...