Italian Problems

[seaweed]

With having to play an openside at No 9 ,Bergamasco, and ELV maul rules restricting the normal forward based game plan of the Italians what sort of game do we expect this afternoon ?

[TigerCam]

With having to play an openside at No 9 ,Bergamasco, and ELV maul rules restricting the normal forward based game plan of the Italians what sort of game do we expect this afternoon ?

They will do as they have done before, tackle like crazy, spoil as much ball as possible and pick up on any mistakes that England make. I imagine that the scrum will be evenly contested.

[Will S]

Harry must be licking his lips - should have some good space around the base of scrums and rucks to try and exploit.

[seaweed]

Will be interesting to see if Bergamasco can restrain his natural open side instincts and try not to nail Harry at every opportunity especially at the base of the scrum.

[Will S]

No doubt Harry will be nailed a few times but against a bigger man, who probably hasn't got Harry's acceleration over the first 5 yards, he should get some joy. It will also be interesting to see how good Bergamasco is at getting the ball away - if he is a split second off the pace Harry should be able to make a real nuisance of himself.

[seaweed]

Looking forward to the first lineout when Bergamsco gets into the line !

[westy154]

With having to play an openside at No 9 ,Bergamasco, and ELV maul rules restricting the normal forward based game plan of the Italians what sort of game do we expect this afternoon ?

A bad one...

[Angelo]

With having to play an openside at No 9 ,Bergamasco, and ELV maul rules restricting the normal forward based game plan of the Italians what sort of game do we expect this afternoon ?

A bad one...

more than a bad one...
Right, the bet on Bergamasco was lost, but is not Mauro's fault, but Mallet's. Better make Toniolatti starting from the beginning, but it's too late. Mauro has not to bear the cross now, he was completely off role. And Ellis sufferd no pressure at all from him, because he was too confused. I saw him joining rucks at least 5 times, forgiving he had to wait outside and pass the ball....he missed too many trasmissions, one costed us a try, but you can't mess up with England at home and hoping for a miracle.
Now Italy has his main chance to score cutted off, so they must insist on defence (it was good) and pressure (it was good also) and waiting for the opponents forced mistakes, exactly what England did to win today.
I'm pleased for Italy's discipline, better than England, and for some good breaks in 2nd half, but England had no pressure in mind. Right, you're still unbeaten, and i have another yera to wait.
Complimenti, comunque, bravi ^^

[Rizzo]

In our house, we were cheering Italy more than England, they never gave up and the heart and passion of their players put ours to shame. (and we always give a cheer to Castro )

Mauro was mis-placed in that position, simple as that. It was not his fault at all, he tried, but he should have been moved much earlier and Mallett should never try that experiment again!

[Snorbins]

yea, Mallets no 9 was not a great success.
But Castro did not seem happy, his walk onto the pitch and half hearted run to the italian cuddle was uninspiring. I know hes been crocked but he did not seem 100%. Destroyed a couple of scrums as usual but hes not ready for 80 minutes full on.