Italy's first Rugby World Cup match was against New Zealand on 22nd May 1987. New Zealand ran out 70-6 winners and one of the stars that day was John Kirwan. Kirwan took the ball from his own line and went around almost every Italian player completing a 100 meter sprint to seal New Zealand's victory. As Italy entered the Rugby World Cup 2003, their coach was the same John Kirwan, at 37 years old, he was one of the international games youngest coaches. He is considered to have taken Italy forward and now under the charismatic coach Pierre Berbizier who captained France in the first World Cup they will look to have their best showing.
When Europe's Five Nations tournament was expanded to Six, it was to include Italy. Italy proceeded in 2000 to win their very first Six Nations game, which was a 34-20 win at home to Scotland and gave them credibility on the European stage. Italy have since failed to recreate that success but they have cemented their position in the six nations with a draw away against Wales and narrow loss at home to Scotland in 2006. and thus their chances of progression from Pool C must be their best ever as runners up to New Zealand.
The Azzurri should think they can beat Romania and Portugal, have little chance against New Zealand, whilst the match against Scotland will be the game which decides 2nd place in the pool.
Currently ranked 9th in the world and with its position as a Six Nations team, Italy had byes through to Round 5 of European qualification, but then made short work of claiming the Europe 1 spot.
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