Where life takes Nick Mallet next is no idea, but what you can be sure of is he can be proud of what he achieved during his time at the helm of the Italian rugby team, Mallet has overseen some great performances from the Auzzuri, The win over France in last years six nations, almost beating Ireland in the next game, but after a disappointing World cup Mallet stepped down as coach having implemented the foundations to build on and become a force in world rugby.
He can be proud of what he has achieved in his time but now is the perfect time to move on and progress and i think new coach Jaques Brunel is the man to build on Mallet's foundation and take Italy forward having led Colomiers to a European Challenge Cup and laid the foundations to a side that reached the Heineken Cup Final the following season.
When new Coach Brunel took charge of Italy in their first game since their world cup disappointment, he talked about playing France in Paris which held no fear for him. In fact "Stade de France holds many good memories for me, and some not so good, but it has never held any fear, it is an environment I enjoy and my players will go out there against France with little pressure says Brunel.
Many said France, in Paris would be a very tough start for a team coming off the back of a disappointing world cup campaign and a new successor to build on the foundation laid by previous coach Nick Mallet and they were right with brunel's charges losing 30-12, conceding four tries and scoring none but the signs were positive. Then came a resurgent English side in a snowy Rome, again this game ultimately ended in defeat, but once again the signs for Italian rugby fans were positive.
So what's the problem apart from not winning? I hear you ask. One weakness of Italian rugby is the small pool of talent the Italians have to choose from. With football dominating the country at youth level there is a lack of young, talented players coming through the youth ranks. However the progression of Treviso in the Pro12 and Heineken cup will be crucial to how players develop. Of course Aironi had their license revoked due to financial problems and will be replaced by Zebre next season. The inclusion of 20-year-old centre Luca Morisi and uncapped wings Angelo Esposito, just 18, and Giovambattista Venditti, 21, in the 30-man squad for the 6 nations championship was a step in the right direction.
Another problem I feel is with the team itself. The pack is fine with 85 cap Martin Castrogiovanni one of the best scrummaging props in the world, with the experience and outstanding leadership of lock Marco Bortolami behind him and talismanic captain Sergio Parrise, who has arguably the best number 8 in the northern hemisphere in recent years. These three alone strengthen the scrum and carry the ball effectively. However this doesn't hide the fact that I feel they have a lack of strength in depth, a few injuries to the key players then the scrum loses its prowess.
As anybody will tell you though the forwards alone can't win a game, you have to have a cutting edge in the backs to score tries. This is again another weakness, the main restriction is in the half-backs, and the lack of talent at 9 and 10 has led to many different players being tried in this position.
But don't worry Italian rugby fans the main point of this article is to highlight that there is PROGRESS despite the fortunes of the club sides, Nick Mallet has laid down the foundations for Brunel to build on and we are seeing progress now, the national side can now hold their own against any side as illustrated against Scotland and a narrow loss England. After beating France last year in the 6 nations they would have hoped to progress from their and develop the consistency and temperament they need to regularly beat the top tier sides.
Brunel believes: "It is not a new thought but at Italy we have to change the balance a little. Of course we have a pack that can match any in Europe but we must not rely on them only, we have to develop a more fluid style, a sense of spirit, to create freedom, to give a free hand to the three-quarters so that they develop self-confidence.
Like i said the foundations are in place for a good side, but the current team lacks strength in depth, consistency and the temperament to at least challenge on an international and domestic front. But it will take time, great sides are not built overnight, and Brunel is the perfect man for the job, many fans believe Mallet was negative in his methods and wanted to play to their strengths which is not what was needed to progress, I have seen improved attacking but confidence needs to be instilled, by the next world cup I wouldn't be surprised if the Italians become genuine contenders.
You can't deny Brunel is the man for the job he is the man to take them forward and build on the foundations left by Mallet, So don't despair, have faith in Brunel and who knows in a few years time they may be challenging for a six nations champion. It just takes time.
