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Italy put faith in Mallett
25/01/2008 07:57 - (SA)
Rome - South Africa's Nick Mallett is a controversial but highly successful coaching figure who is certain to make waves at his new home in Italy.
Mallett once coached the Springboks to a record 17 straight Test victories, going through one Tri-Nations campaign unbeaten and recording biggest ever victories in Paris and Edinburgh as well as against Ireland, Wales and indeed Italy.
But he came up short when guiding South Africa at the 1999 Rugby World Cup and his strained relationships with former captain Gary Teichmann and his own national federation eventually saw him leave the post under a cloud.
On the plus side, he has shown himself to be a strong character, unyielding and determined, but those traits have also been his undoing on occasions.
His record is without question, having guided Stade Francais to two French titles and taking a Springbok team in turmoil to a World Cup semi-final and lifting the 1998 Tri-Nations crown.
But he has always had a reputation for being something of a disruptive influence. His treatment of Teichmann before the 1999 World Cup, when he dropped the then-captain from the squad altogether, alienated many fans.
A year later he quit his post ahead of an internal disciplinary hearing brought against him for accusing the South Africa Rugby Football Union of "greed" for selling Tri-Nations tickets at over-inflated prices.
The most important thing, though, is that he is a winner and it is that mentality that could serve Italy the most.
"For Italy there has been a psychological difficulty stemming from the fact they are the most recent addition to the Six Nations," Mallett said.
"They were outside looking in for a long time, so I imagine that during that time they developed an inferiority complex."
He says that complex has now disappeared and with Mallett at the helm it could well be replaced by a new-found feeling of confidence and belief.
Only time will tell if he can help Italy take a significant step forward, or whether the whole set-up will implode under his stewardship - it's a risk Italy seem only too willing to take.
- SAPA
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