TEST MATCH RUGBY: Italians Face Fijians

27.11.2010
Fiji v Italy in Modena

Venue: Stadio Braglia

Referee: Dave Pearson (England)

Preview
Fiji has a wonderful opportunity to come away from its European tour with a win. They have been together as a team now for three weeks and the continuity and combinations began to be seen in their 16-16 with Wales. That result is just what Fijian rugby needed and I can see this team winning against Italy. Can they defeat Italy?

Italy has just had two international rugby test wins since 2008. This is not a good record. They played out a dour 14-32 loss to a struggling Australian side last weekend. They desperately need this win. This will be a most interesting contest.

Last Five Encounters
17.06.2006 Fiji 29-18 in Suva
26.11.2005 Italy 23-8 in Milan
10.11.2001 Italy 66-10 in Treviso
15.07.2000 Fiji 43-9 in Suva
28.08.1999 Fiji 50-32 in L'aquila (L'aquilla Tournament)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Fiji 10th, Italy 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Fiji 74.39, Italy 72.35

Prediction: A close test match, Fiji by 3 points

Teams

Italy
15 Luke McLean, 14 Andrea Masi, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse, Capt. 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Fabio Ongaro, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Andrea Lo Cicero, 18 Santiago Dellape, 19 Paul Derbyshire, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Tommaso Benvenuti.
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Fiji
15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Vereniki Goneva , 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Gabriele Lovobalavu, 11 Napolioni Nalaga , 10 Seremaia Baï, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Semisi Saukawa, 5 Jone Qovu, 4 Wame Lewaravu, 3 Deacon Manu, Capt. 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements
16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Vesi Rarawa, 18 Sekonaia Kalou, 19 Jimilai Naikadawa, 20 Seveci Taka, 21 Seru Rabeni, 22 Taniela Rawaqa.
Head Coach: Samoni Domoni