NEW ZEALAND: RUGBY - Italy complete build up to World Cup opener against Australia

Record ID: 862282

  • Title: NEW ZEALAND: RUGBY - Italy complete build up to World Cup opener against Australia
  • Date: 11th September 2011
  • Summary: FAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (SEPTEMBER 10, 2011) (REUTERS) ITALY TEAM BUS ARRIVING FOR TRAINING SESSION TEAM TRAINING IN PROGRESS ITALY CAPTAIN SERGIO PARISSE RUNNING / THROWING BALL INTO THE AIR PROP MARTIN CASTROGIOVANNI DURING TRAINING TEAM MEMBERS STRETCHING COACH NICK MALLETT TALKING TO ASSISTANT PLAYERS STRETCHING PROP SALVATORE PERUGINI (BEARD) TALKING WITH COACHES / MEMBERS OF MEDIA PERUGINI PLAYERS PASSING BALLS PERUGINI WINGER MIRCO BERGAMASCO STRETCHING PLAYERS STRETCHING ITALY TEAM TRAINING IN PROGRESS AT WESTERN SPRINGS STADIUM
  • Embargoed: 26th September 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: New Zealand, New Zealand
  • City:
  • Country: New Zealand
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA9HOPKH0KUB2FNM7MIFVDCX6BE
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Italy held a final training session at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium on Saturday (September 10) ahead of their Rugby World Cup opener against Australia.
    The "Azzuri "were forced to hold the traditional day-before-the game captain's run at North Harbour Stadium on Friday (September 9) because the venue was due to host the pool A match between France against Japan later on Saturday.
    Italy captain Sergio Parisse cut a relaxed figure as he ran with the ball during the training session which was due to get underway properly once the cameras of the media gathered had been removed.
    Italy will be hoping for a good performance against the recently crowned Tri Nations champions Australia.
    Nick Mallett's men have pushed the Wallabies in recent matches without recording a victory so will be desperate to go one better in 2011.
    The weather could play into Italy's favour.
    The forecast predicts some showers which could be good news for Mallett's team as it would bring their big forwards into the match and cut down Australia's attacking opportunities.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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