No-ruck antics not on the cards for Italy

Tue, Jun 20, 2017, 7:42 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Dries van Schalkwyk and Italy will be out to upset the Wallabies on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images
Dries van Schalkwyk and Italy will be out to upset the Wallabies on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images

There won't be any no-ruck antics but Italy believe they have the game capable of notching their first ever win against the Wallabies on Saturday.

Eddie Jones famously slammed the unorthodox tactic immediately after England's clash with the Italy at the Six Nations but bullocking backrower Dries van Schalkwyk told media today his side would be looking to disrupt the flow of Australian ball in other ways.

"We'll always try and disrupt but that was a once off," he said.

"We probably won't do that again.

"We always try to create confusion and we will go for that again against Australia.

"We want to be a really hard team to play against and that is something Scotland has done and shown."Star No. 8 Sergio Parisse isn't on tour with the Italians. Photo: Getty ImagesThis Italian side is missing five or six of its best 23 through both injury and rest, with this Test the last of a long season.

It is a completely revamped side compared to the one that Irish coach Conor O'Shea had at his disposal when he took over 12 months ago and van Schalkwyk believes that's a good thing.

He has South African blood running through his veins but his journey to Test rugby is one filled with persistence.

Born and bred in Bloemfontein, van Schalkwyk's forefathers first arrived in South Africa in 1659 and naturally, his first dream was to represent the Springboks.van Schalkwyk in his Blue Bulls days. Photo: Getty ImagesBut as a 27-year-old, he was still left waiting for his shot at the Bulls behind the likes of Piers Spies, Dewald Potgieter and Danie Russo.

"I never really got a breakthrough there and then I played under John Mitchell for two seasons at the Lions and I learned a lot from John," he said.

"He's got such a good rugby brain."

Then the call came from Zebre - one of Italy's Pro12 clubs.van Schalkwyk hasn't looked back since settling in Italy. Photo: Getty ImagesThe No. 8 never looked back.

"I was getting a bit older and hadn't really made a breakthrough and I just came over to play - to see Europe and play," he said.

"The next thing I know, I was qualified after three years and I was into the Six Nations in 2016.

"What an honour it is to play for this team.

"An honour, an experience, a privilege."

Italy take on the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 3pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on RADIO at RUGBY.com.au.

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