News

Mortlock not taking Italians lightly

November 03 2008

Australia captain Stirling Mortlock has warned his new-era Wallabies not to underestimate Italy in Saturday's upcoming Test in Padova.

Haunted by the ghosts of 2006, Mortlock had a nightmare trip to Rome two years ago, almost captaining the Wallabies to one of their most humiliating defeats.

After the side's 25-18 escape at Stadio Flaminio, Mortlock - along with several senior team-mates including Mat Rogers and George Smith - were disciplined for staying out late after the match.

With less than half-a-dozen players from that starting line-up remaining, Mortlock is not expecting a repeat of such troubles on or off the paddock.

But he plans to caution the squad all the same, if only to eliminate any complacency the Wallabies may harbour ahead of the opening match of their four-Test European tour.

"We found out last time when we went to Italy how tough it was," Mortlock told AAP.

"The majority of their forward pack has exposure to French rugby and that's all about doing the job up front first and foremost. So their forward pack are one of the best.

"In particular at home, they pride themselves on laying the foundation first and foremost and then they work from that."

The Azzurri gave the Wallabies an almighty fright last outing, jumping to a 9-0 lead before going to half-time with a 15-13 advantage and high hopes of conjuring a famous victory.

In the end, the Wallabies needed a Mortlock try, after a barnstorming run from Wycliff Palu, to get out of jail.

While they disappointed at last year's World Cup, the Italians - now coached by highly respected South African mentor Nick Mallet - are ranked tenth in the world and boast some impressive results in 2008.

Most notably, the Azzurri followed up their Six Nations triumph over Scotland with a memorable defeat of World Cup semi-finalists Argentina in June.

Mortlock believes Australian fans, who will get the opportunity to see Italy first hand next June when they play Tests against the Wallabies in Canberra and Melbourne, don't realise the strength of Italian rugby.

"The perception is wrong," he said.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is under no illusions, though.

"They're a side that we definitely respect," said Deans.

"They've got one of the best packs in Six Nations. And Test rugby starts there, so we've got to make a plan."

Deans is hopeful of having Palu (knee) and other key forwards Hugh McMeniman (ankle), Adam Freier (calf) and possibly rookie lock Peter Kimlin (quad) back available this week after they were all sidelined from last Saturday's 19-14 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand in Hong Kong.

But fly-half Matt Giteau (shoulder) may be doubtful and winger Lote Tuqiri (knee) is definitely out for at least one more Test.

"We're starting to stand a few up, which is good," Deans said.

Deans has forecast using all 34 squad members during the tour and Mortlock is confident any international newcomers who might earn a Test start against Italy would make the most of the opportunity.

"The environment is really positive and conducive to guys expressing themselves," said Mortlock.

"You still saw that in our game against the All Blacks, but what we've got to get better at is understanding how to close out a game, how to deny opposition chances.

"I think we're getting there. When you've got a lot of younger guys, you're starting to grow as a team. But I think we're not far away."