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Six Nations matches in Italy always have the potential
to embarrass the visitors, although this statement is to undervalue the quality of the Italians. On paper
they are ranked in tenth place in the world, just one position below Scotland but to the
latent observer north of the border, his team should always be good enough to win against
Italy.
We fancy the Italians can win this match at 7/4. They have only won two Six
Nations fixtures in four and a half years, but this is a fine opportunity for them to add to that. In fact
John Kirwan would have to consider it a disappointment if Italy did not win this game. Expectations in Rome
have risen since the Kiwi legend has taken over the reigns but unless they continue to improve he could
become a victim of his own successes. The pressure is already mounting as good performances may win plaudits,
but winning matches is what really matters.
Matt Williams, Kirwan�s counterpart in the Scottish
camp has denied the fact that there is any pressure on him. Whilst it may be only fair to give him a decent
amount of time to prove himself, the Scottish public will not be at all satisfied with a loss to the
Azzurri.
They were clearly fired up for the match with England, and put in a proud showing against
the Auld enemy. The 13-35 defeat tells a story though, as does the way that the over riding emotion was one
of satisfaction in Edinburgh, despite the 22 point deficit. If positives are to be found, at least the game
illustrated that there are men who are willing to put themselves on the line for the cause of their country.
This is a good sign as there were doubts when core of the side was ripped away after the World Cup with
twelve players no longer available for selection.
Williams has been forced into making two changes
for this game. The most significant of these comes at prop where British Lion Tom Smith is ruled out and so
Allan Jacobsen wins his maiden start. In the back row Alistair Hogg takes the place of Cameron
Mather.
In 2000, Italy hosted Scotland in the first ever Six Nations match in Rome and won, by
34-20. Last year, Wales travelled to the Stadio Flaminio and were thoroughly beaten by 30-22. These days
Italy are not considered the walk over they once were, and this enhanced reputation has been earned through
consistently strong showings on the pitch. The handicap gives them a start of up to seven points which is
appealing, but we fancy they can go one better and actually win it outright, at a price of 7/4.
As
much as Italy have improved, Scotland have regressed in the last season or two and it will take some time for
them to rebuild to where they want to be. The opening two matches have seen nothing of much worth, both Wales
and England sweeping past them without any hint that the result could go the other way. Italy will not find
things so easy, but this price screams out to be taken, and we believe that they can secure a
victory.
Italy have struggled to score points in the first two fixtures, but the line up for this
one is far more attacking minded. The Dallan brothers are reunited with Manuel coming in at centre, and
Roland de Marigny fills the fly half shirt of Rima Wakarua who sits on the bench and will provide excellent
defensive cover if required in the latter stages.
[email protected]
Johnny O'Shea,
readaBet.com
Article created on 3-/-0/2004 06: 1Send this article ( SIX NATIONS LIVE: ITALY V SCOTLAND ) to a friend
