Italy call-up scrum-half Griffen
Nick Mallet took a gamble against England
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Thursday, 12, Feb 2009 09:39
Italy coach Nick Mallet has given a recall to Paul Griffen in the hope of trying to end their scrum-half problems.
Mallet gambled against England and played flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrum-half. But his decision backfired with Bergamasco having a shambolic game as England eased to a 36-11 win at Twickenham.
The Italians have now turned to the New Zealand born Griffen, who has not played for his adopted country since the 2007 World Cup. The 33-year-old will start at scrum-half against Ireland in Rome, with Bergamasco reverting back to flanker.
Italy have made four further changes from the team that lost to England. Fly-half Andrea Marcato has failed to recover from a neck injury and he is replaced in the team by Luke McLean.
Another injury victim Marco Bortolami is out due to a knee injury and Tommaso Reato will come in at lock. Mirco Bergamasco will play in inside centre instead of Gonzalo Garcia, while Matteo Pratichetti coming-in on the wing.
Italy team to face Ireland: 15-Andrea Masi, 14-Kaine Robertson, 13-Gonzalo Canale, 12-Mirco Bergamasco, 11-Matteo Pratichetti, 10-Luke McLean, 9-Paul Griffen; 8-Sergio Parisse (captain), 7-Mauro Bergamasco, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 5-Tommaso Reato, 4-Santiago Dellape, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 2-Fabio Ongaro, 1-Salvatore Perugini
Replacements: 16-Carlo Festuccia, 17-Carlos Nieto, 18-Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 19-Josh Sole, 20-Giulio Toniolatti, 21-Gonzalo Garcia, 22-Andrea Bacchetti