Mallett under no illusions

2008-06-16 14:54

Cape Town - Italy coach Nick Mallett said it would be "naive" to think his side could beat world champions South Africa in a one-off Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

Italy have a number of key players missing through injury or unavailability.

"What I'm looking for at the end of this tour is to find five or six players who show that they can step up and compete at this level," Mallett told reporters on Monday.

"It will be completely naive to think that this Italian side can come to South Africa and beat the Springboks but the whole aspect of earning respect is very important."

South Africa have made an impressive start under new coach Peter de Villiers, thrashing Six Nations winners Wales 43-17 in the first Test on June 7, before overcoming the same opponents 37-21 on Saturday.

"If you look at the quality of the Super 14 competition and how well the South African teams did in that, and then the way they played against Wales - the best team in the northern hemisphere this year - South African rugby is in very healthy position at the moment," Mallett added.

"To come out and play a side like South Africa is a very difficult challenge for us."

Prop Martin Castrogiovanni is injured while captain Sergio Parisse and centres Mirco Bergamasco and Gonzalo Canale are still involved with their French clubs in the Top 14 championship.

In six previous encounters, Italy have never beaten the Springboks. South Africa won their last match 54-26 in Genoa in 2001.

- Reuters