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Kirwan takes on Italian job Posted: Wednesday June 26, 2002 9:14 AM
Rugby World's Gianluca Barca meets the new Italian coach, John Kirwan. From one All Black to another. Italy have decided to pin their hopes once again on a Kiwi coach. This time, however, they have opted for a former winger, John Kirwan, to sidestep the pitfalls of their tricky parochial system rather than the no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point approach of former prop Brad Johnstone. Johnstone had been in charge for 30 months, but after a surprise win over Scotland in Italy's Six Nations debut in February 2000, his disappointing run of 22 defeats out of 27 games cost him his place. Kirwan is no newcomer to Italy. With an Italian wife, Fiorella, a former volleyball player he met in Treviso when playing for Benetton in the late Eighties, and a good command of the language, he had been brought in last September as Johnstone's assistant. He was meant to give him a hand and to act as a link between the national squad's coaching staff and the cabal of clubs. However, Italy's 2002 Six Nations campaign was no better than the year before: the Azzurri lost all five games and Johnstone even had to deal with rumors of a players' mutiny after losing to Scotland. Johnstone's head rolled and his assistant stepped up to take his place. Cries of Judas were promptly denied by Kirwan. "When there was a problem I always spoke face to face with Brad," says Kirwan. "I am sorry for him. But I didn't double-cross Johnstone. I am not the one who decides who goes and who stays." As a matter a fact, Kirwan's appointment as Italy's head coach was not an easy one. Almost half the Federation board, including FIR president Giancarlo Dondi, wanted to start with a clean sheet and go for a Frenchman. Pierre Berbizier, who coached France in the early 1990s, was a front runner but it was the New Zealander who won the race. "I am delighted," says Kirwan, who scored a brilliant solo try against Italy in the 1987 World Cup. Funnily enough, Italy's captain that day was Marzio Innocenti, whose vote for Kirwan on the Federation board was decisive in helping him elbow aside Berbizier. "I know there were doubts over my experience as a coach," Kirwan admits, "but I'm convinced I can do well with this squad and now I can't wait to get going." With 35 tries in 63 Tests for the All Blacks, Kirwan's CV is spectacular as a player, but he still has a lot to prove on the coaching side. He spent four years in Tokyo as player-coach before becoming manager of Auckland Blues in 1999 and ending up as assistant coach to Frank Oliver. "I think John can fit the slot," says fellow New Zealander Craig Green, currently in charge of Amatori & Calvisano. "He has known the rugby scene here for a while and is an excellent communicator. A Latin country needs someone to talk to rather than be talked at." Two of Italy's current internationals share Green's opinions. Flanker Mauro Bergamasco says: "He is bursting with new ideas and relates well to the players", while prop Giampiero De Carli declares: "He deserves to be given a chance. I'm sorry for Brad but after a while every squad needs a change." The new coach will be looking to boost his team's self-esteem. "My goal is to put together a young and determined squad to go to the 2003 World Cup with the will to perform," says Kirwan. "I think Italy have the potential to pull in some good results, but first they have to believe it. This is the key to everything. If we look at the Six Nations, Italy were the team who gave France the best run for their money in Paris, so there is no reason to be so pessimistic. We can't keep falling back on the excuse of not having enough players. It is not that easy for Wales and Scotland. I know some people would have preferred a Frenchman to coach Italy, but I believe we have to think in terms of global rugby. I want a squad with the discipline of the Australians, the ability of the All Blacks and the flair of the French." Kirwan is adamant that fly-half Diego Dominguez is part of his plans. "Definitely, but at 36 he needs to be rested." Thus, he is one of a handful of players who didn't tour New Zealand this summer. Alessandro Moscardi, who led Italy in the Six Nations, also put his feet up, allowing Alessandro Troncon to lead the squad on the three-match tour. "It will be the chance for new players to prove their worth," Kirwan said before the tour, with one eye looking ahead to the World Cup.
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