Argentina have won six of the last seven matches against Italy, and claimed the spoils in both previous tests in Rome. Can Italy build on their sloppy win over Fiji?
ITALY vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, November 23, 14:00 GMT, Rome
None but the most intransigent Italian supporter would claim that last week’s match in Cremona was anything but a complete debacle, with the most significant event being the terrible injury to Luca Morisi that might well threaten his career. Otherwise there were no questions answered at the final whistle – Italy had the better forwards, and Fiji the better backs. Nevertheless a win is a win and the Azzurri at least have that boost their confidence against an Argentine said that looks ripe for the taking.
The Pumas have had a long year both in body and in mind, with the latter clearly taking its toll as they fell flat against Wales in Cardiff. The loss of their captain, a change in coach, and a disruption in player availability for the tour have all taken their share of energy out of the side, and now to the outsider it appears as though the players will just be happy to get the last game over with before they return to the relative serenity of their club sides.
Italy have made three changes to the team that faced Fiji, with two players making their run-on debuts. Michele Campagnaro replaces Morisi in the midfield with Tommaso Benvenuti taking his bench spot, and all eyes will be on Tommaso Allan as he looks to cap a tremendous rise through the ranks with his first start. Robert Barbieri replaces Mauro Bergamasco at openside, while Marco Bortolami is recalled to the bench replacing Manoa Vosawai.
Daniel Hourcade has released several players from the remaining tour match, making five changes to the starting lineup and a couple positional switches. Mariano Galarza comes in for Patricio Albacete at lock, and Benjamin Macome replaces Pablo Matera, with captain Juan Manuel Leguizamon moving to openside flank from no8 to make room. Blindside Julio Farias Cabello wins his 30th and final cap for the Pumas as he retires from international rugby following the tour.
A completely changed three quarter line sets up outside Nicolas Sanchez. Santiago Fernandez and Marcelo Bosch are absent so Gabriel Ascarate starts at inside centre and Horacio Agulla starts at outside centre for the first time. Juan Imhoff returns from injury to replace unlucky Santiago Cordero on the left wing, with Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino taking up Agulla’s vacant wing position on the right. ARC tournament standout Javier Rojas covers flyhalf and the midfield from the bench.
Argentina are well short of full strength for this one, and Italy look a bit better off in that regard. In interesting pattern in their previous results suggests that the Azzurri win every fourth match, so after losing the last three against the Pumas it looks as though they are due for a result. Look for Tommaso Allan to enjoy his maiden outing in the no10 jersey and inspire his team to a well-earned victory over a feisty but ultimately under-juiced Argentina. The home side wins by 6.
Referee: Chris Pollock (NZRU)
Assistants: George Clancy (IRFU) & J.P. Doyle (RFU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
