'That's rubbish' - Conor O'Shea braced for the 'usual tripe' about Georgia entering the Six Nations
Conor O’Shea is braced for the “usual tripe” in the build-up to Italy’s clash with Georgia in Florence next month which is certain to revive the debate over introducing relegation in the Six Nations championship.
Georgia have replaced Romania as the obvious contenders to push for a place in the Six Nations and Italy’s right to be part of Europe’s elite has been undermined by 13 Wooden Spoons for finishing last since joining the tournament in 2000.
O’Shea saw his men battle back to square the test series 1-1 in Japan in June and with Benetton and Zebre making more of an impact in the Pro14 this season along with Italy’s age group teams impressing, there is much-needed confidence heading into the Autumn tests against Ireland in Chicago (Nov 3), Georgia (Nov 10), Australia in Padua (Nov 17) and New Zealand in Rome (Nov 24).
While O’Shea’s focus is on the opening international with Ireland, he acknowledges the clash with Georgia is going to trigger more debate and he said: “I know that the usual tripe will be trotted out, but Italy has earned every single right to be part of the Six Nations.
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“We know people will be expressing opinions and that is an easy stick to beat us with and always will be. We are not going to change that except through our performances. Japan is a tough place to go and win and we did that in the second test in June and no one is going to mention that a week after our victory Japan beat Georgia 28-0.
“There are lazy people who say we are a set piece orientated side and that we can last 60 minutes blah, blah blah. That’s rubbish. I am really positive because we have some seriously good players and are a team that can score tries. We have game breakers and will play an ambitious style of rugby thanks to improved fitness.
“Everyone on the outside knows the answers because they don’t have any accountability. If we weren’t making changes and not seeing young players coming through then it would be hard to stay positive but we are making progress. Of course it’s not easy and it never was going to be a case of waving a magic wand. Last year Italy U17s beat France, the U18s defeated England and the U20s to go into the top eight.
“Those players are winning matches and coming into a system they believe is changing. At international level there is no doubt we are becoming more competitive and we have to make the big moments count in matches and get the wins. We lost the first test in Japan in June and did brilliantly to win the second and other than against Ireland, we were competitive in last season’s Six Nations.”
With veteran captain Sergio Parisse, who has won 134 caps, having undergone surgery in the summer to ensure he can still be a force in what will be his final 12 months as a player, focus is turning to players such as Gloucester flanker Jake Polledri who could fill the looming void. O’Shea believes 35-year-old Parisse will continue to be a key player through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan and added: “As this team grows together the age profile shows this is just the start of a cycle rather than the end of the era involving senior players like Sergio.
“This will be a group that sticks together for a long time and will become a very good side which is all we wanted to achieve. Jake Polledri was someone I watched while he was at Hartpury College and it was a case of could he transfer that unique ability to higher levels and he has. He was brought thoroughly slowly and did so well in the second test in Japan.
“There is no doubt that what has been put in place is making a difference not only with Zebre and Benetton, but just look at the results from our U20’s. We would never say we are World beaters but we are putting together a functional and competitive system. Look, we are nowhere near where we could be but we have made significant changes and now real quality players are coming through and that is a massive credit to the coaching teams at the two Pro 14 clubs. The style of rugby and excitement being generated means I am pretty comfortable about where we are going.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Shows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to comments