Kirwan issues Italy rallying call

John Kirwan today made 14 changes to the Italy side that was thumped by New Zealand on Saturday and urged his new-look side: “Our World Cup starts now.”

The Azzurri conceded 11 tries to a rampant New Zealand side, but Kirwan was not too downhearted after the game as there is still all to play for in the extremely competitive Pool D.

New Zealand are expected to cruise through to the quarter-finals, but the race to join them is fierce with Wales, who currently hold the aces, Canada and Tonga challenging the Italians for second spot.

Kirwan’s side have not been helped by the horror draw of their opening two games just four days apart, forcing them to compromise over selections.

It was decided to approach the games against New Zealand and Tonga as one, which meant splitting the best players over two 15s rather than naming an entire second team to play New Zealand.

Back into the starting line-up come captain Alessandro Troncon, centre Christian Stoica, the Dallan brothers and flanker Aaron Persico, and Kirwan will ensure there is no negative hangover from the All Blacks game.

“We have got our own objectives,” said Kirwan. “Our draw is not an easy one, but our objective is to go into the final game against Wales with two wins.

“It would be fantastic to make the top eight – for us that would be like winning the World Cup.

“We were not happy with the points conceded to New Zealand but we have got to take positives out of it.

“Our World Cup starts now. We have come here to qualify and we are really going to have to concentrate on Tonga.”

Winger Nicola Mazzucato will be the only member of the squad to start both games for the Azzurri, though the bench is made up of players who all featured in the 70-7 thumping by the All Blacks.

“It has always been important for us to create a World Cup campaign and we have got to play with the 30 players,” said Kirwan.

“We have got some guys who can make a difference, like Troncon and Stoica coming in, but if we are going to make the top eight then we have to have 30 players.

“But the team on Wednesday needs to pick it up a gear and get a win.”

Italy and Tonga both face four games in fourteen days and neither are all that happy about it.

“It’s ridiculous to say the least and also very unfair,” said Tonga coach Jim Love. “Other teams are playing four games in 23 days. It’s a big event held every four years and every team should be treated the same.”

The Pacific islanders have also been left aggrieved by the loss of key men such as Newcastle’s Epi Taioneand Warriors winger Aisea Havili, who opted to remain with their clubs.

But Love was able to include loose forward Ipolito Fenukitau, after he was cleared to play by the International Rugby Board.

Love said his side, to be captained by Inki Afeaki, is itching to get started after weeks of preparation.

“It’s a great opportunity. We’ve been waiting for this game for quite a few weeks, a lot of pre-work has been put in and the boys are excited by the challenge,” he said.

“I don’t think I saw the best of Italy, they would have been at least at half-strength. They would have gained experience and I feel we may get some sort of backlash.”

Italy team: G Canale; N Mazzucato, C Stoica, M Dallan, D Dallan, Rima Wakarua, A Troncon (cpt); A Lo Cicero, F Ongaro, M Castrogiovanni, S Dellape, M Bortolami, A de Rossie, A Persico, S Parisse.

Replacements: C Festuccia, S Perugini, C Checchinato, M Bergamasco, M Mazzantini, F Mazzariol, A Masi.

Tonga team: P Hola; S Fonua, T Tu’ifu, J Payne, G Leger; S Martens, S Tu’ipulotu; T Lea’ateoa, E Taukafa, H Lavaka, V Vaki, M Ngaumano, I Afeaki (cpt), I Fenukitau, Benhur Kivalu.

Replacements: V Ma’asi, K Pulu, U Latu, S Afeaki, A Alatini, J N, S Va’enuku.