Wallabies announce Italy tests

Australia are set to play Italy in Melbourne during 2009 as part of the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series leading into the Tri-Nations.

The Australian Rugby Union announced on Saturday a three-Test schedule for next year, with the Wallabies taking on Italy twice in Canberra and Melbourne on June 13 and 20 respectively before playing France on July 27 in Sydney.

The three-Test schedule should allow coach Robbie Deans time to fine-tune his side ahead of his second Tri-Nations series in charge of Australia, which starts with a Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Wellington on July 18.

The Test against Italy will complete an entertaining week of international sporting action in Melbourne as the Victorian capital will host Australia’s World Cup qualifying clash with Japan just days before the Wallabies run out.

“Melbourne is a perfect fit for the Test,” said ARU chief executive John O’Neill. “There is a massive Italian community based in the city.

“We are also confident that rugby can help deliver to Melbourne during that week an experience of true international flavour across not only one but two football codes.

“So the opportunity is there for Melbourne to embrace the spotlight that is sure to be shone on the city from all parts of the country.”

The first Test against Italy will be the first time the Wallabies have played in the national capital since beating Argentina 32-25 in the second match of a two-Test series in June 2000.

“After a break of what will be nine years, ARU is sure the Canberra sporting faithful will get right behind this match against Italy,” O’Neal said.

The French rugby hierarchy have also guaranteed the 2007 Rugby World Cup semi-finalists will bring their best players on tour after travelling to Australia earlier this year without a number of stars who were involved in the finals of their national club championship.