Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says a depleted Italy side remain dangerous and the world champions will only worry about the bigger picture once they’ve won in Turin. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Italy may be missing key men for Saturday’s match, but Stick isn’t buying the idea that the Boks are heading for an easy afternoon in Turin, the home of Fiat, where the Italians know all about engines that keep running when parts go missing.
Speaking ahead of the Test, Stick said injuries are part of the game, but warned that the Azzurri still have plenty of quality.
“[Big centre Tommaso] Menoncello can’t play, which is a big loss for them, but it’s still a very, very good side.”
Fullback Ange Capuozzo, who gave the Boks problems last year and will start on the right wing on Saturday, was singled out as a major threat.
“We know he’s world class, probably one of the best outside backs in the world,” said Stick. “If you give him space and time, he’ll punish you. We’ve played against him many times and we understand his trends.”
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He also pointed to wing Monty Ioane and flyhalf Paolo Garbisi as proof that the hosts have the firepower to hurt South Africa.
“Even with their [player] losses, they’ve still got world-class players in the backline. It’s going to be a tough game … we can’t afford to give them time and space.”
With the Boks competing with the All Blacks for top spot on the Nations Championship southern hemisphere standings, Stick was asked how much attention the team will pay to bonus points and points difference.
His answer was firm: the win comes first.
“You can’t be thinking about a bonus point before you’ve even got a win. If we get the lead and can go for the bonus point, we will, but first things first.”
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Stick also made it clear that results elsewhere are out of the Boks’ hands.
“We can’t control what New Zealand do in their games. All we control is what we do as a team. When there’s an opportunity for points, we take them, and then we go for the win.”
He also expects a lively atmosphere in Turin, the home of Juventus, who were stunned 3-0 at home by Lazio just three weeks ago.
Give Italy time and space, and Turin can bite anyone.
Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
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Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says a depleted Italy side remain dangerous and the world champions will only worry about the bigger picture once they’ve won in Turin.
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