Expert
If Wallaby coach Michael Cheika decides to play second stringers against the Azzurri in Padua at the weekend, he’s putting his career on the line.
Under normal circumstances the career stat of the Wallabies beating Italy 17 times from as many starts, chalking up 605 points to 244, would be enough to maybe give them a start.
But not when the current campaign is in tatters, winning just three of 11 this year.
It would be far more positive for the Wallabies to hammer the Azzurri by 50 points leading into the England clash, where the Wallabies haven’t beaten the men-in-white on Eddie Jones’ watch.
So paying Italy no respect wouldn’t be one of Cheika’s shrewdest moves.
In fact, it would be the dumbest of dumb decisions.
What would be worse a loss to the Italians will most certainly end his coaching career on the spot, despite assurances from both Rugby Australia, and CEO Raelene Castle, that Cheika will coach the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.
If they didn’t sack him immediately after a loss to Italy, the Rugby Australia switchboard would be in meltdown from irate fans from all over the world, and justifiably so.
Sure, the Italians are the proven worst Tier One side in world rugby by the length of the straight, but don’t disrespect them.
They have never beaten England in 24 attempts, nor the All Blacks in 13, but have beaten the Boks once in 14.
They have been in the Six Nations since 2000, and in 95 internationals have won just 12 – seven against Scotland, two and a draw against Wales, two against France, and one over Ireland.
To justify the worst tag, Italy has won the dreaded Six Nations wooden spoon 13 times in 19 tournaments, with Scotland four times, and Wales with France once each.
And Michael Cheika wants to play Russian roulette with a side that on their day has beaten Tier One sides before, albeit very very rarely.
It’s not worth the risk coach.
And while you’re at it, don’t overlook the fact whistle-happy Frenchman Pascal Gauzere will be refereeing in Padua.
He controlled the Ireland series decider at Allianz Stadium in June by blowing the ill-disciplined Wallabies off the park to allow Johnny Sexton to land five penalties to Bernard Foley’s three in Ireland’s 20-16 success.
So the game plan is simple Michael Cheika, select your best 23, remind them of their discipline, and hammer the Azzurri to a cricket score.
Then take on England.