While New Zealand might be too busy to tour their neighbours, Italy have travelled halfway around the world to begin their own Pacific adventure. Fiji, Samoa, and Japan are on deck for the Azzurri, ironically playing more Pacific nations than those actually involved in the Pacific Nations Cup. Try figuring out how that makes sense.
Jacques Brunel has left behind battered stars Martín Castrogiovanni, Alessandro Zanni, and of course captain Sergio Parisse to recover ahead of a big World Cup year. Regulars Michele Rizzo, Edoardo Gori, and Simone Favaro also skip out, but the side is boosted by the return of powerhouse winger Giovanbattista Venditti and veteran utility back Andrea Masi. Quintin Geldenhuys stands in as captain and combines with Marco Bortolami to provide some 150 caps of experience up front.
Club combinations are leaned on in the backs, with the Zebre pair of Luciano Orquera and Guglielmo Palazzani preferred at the halfbacks. Palazzani makes his debut and is a particularly interesting choice given that much of his season has been spent at fullback, with his only starting role at scrumhalf coming a few short weeks ago. The midfield goes to Treviso, with Alberto Sgarbi restored inside Michele Campagnaro at the expense of Gonzalo Garcia.
Fiji have a new coach, the well-travelled John McKee, and appears to have the backing of his top players who have come out in force to win sports in what promises to be an exciting squad heading towards the World Cup. Revamping the front row is one of his priorities, and he has recalled Southland’s Tale Tuapati at hooker while welcoming Narbonne stalwart Sunia Koto back into the squad for the first time since the New Zealand tournament nearly three years ago. Manasa Saulo wins his first start at tighthead with French-based Isei Colati set to make his debut as a reserve.
Brive duo Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Apisai Naikatini add power and offloading ability to the forwards, with outstanding flanker Akapusi Qera again tasked with captaining the side. The steady Nemia Kenatale gets the nod over enigma Nikola Matawalu at scrumhalf, and Nadroga goal kicker Jonetani Ralulu is back at flyhalf after being overlooked last year by Inoke Male. An all-Super Rugby midfield features giant Nemani Nadolo of the Crusaders and hard-hitting Asaeli Tikoirotuma of the Chiefs, the latter filling in for injury withdrawal Vereniki Goneva.
With all the firepower available to the home side both up front and of course out wide, one would guess that Fiji would have a good shot at this, but as was made brutally clear in November, discipline should ultimately decide the victor. Italy are slightly underpowered and a bit battered after a long season, but still enjoy a healthy advantage in experience up front. If Fiji lose their heads early and start giving away silly penalties, Italy will grind out a win, but as we all know a Fijian team with even 40% possession can put points on the board. This one’s a close call, but look for the speedsters to make their mark, Fiji with an upset win by 5.
FIJI vs ITALY
Saturday, June 7, 03:00 GMT, Suva
Referee: J.P. Doyle (RFU)
Assistants: Rohan Hoffman (ARU) & James Leckie (ARU)
TMO: n/a
