Bortolami relishing new Italian job

It has been a tough slog, but for Italy second row Marco Bortolami 2011 may turn out to have a happy ending.

At the start of the year he was behind fellow squad members Carlo Del Fava and Quintin Geldenhuys for a place in both the national side and his club, Aironi.

Since missing the 2011 Six Nations he has battled back and after leading Italy A at the Churchill Cup in June, he was included in Italy's World Cup training group then made the 30-man squad for New Zealand.

"I am very happy to be here and it is a special World Cup for me," Bortolami said. "Firstly because it is in New Zealand, and secondly because it is likely to be my last one.

''I'm 32 now and it will be very difficult for me to be involved in four years' time. Six or seven months ago I wasn't in the squad and I have had to work hard to get back in the team."

Bortolami was captain of Italy at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but a neck injury kept him out of the deciding final pool match with Scotland, which the Azzurri lost 18-16 meaning they exited the tournament.

Record holder

The former Narbonne and Gloucester skipper was the youngest-ever Italy captain when he led the side against New Zealand in 2002 for the first time, aged 22.

Bortolami shares the record, with Massimo Giovanelli, for most appearances as Italy captain with 37.

After France 2007, though, Bortolami handed over the captain's armband to Sergio Parisse and he is now enjoying his greater freedom.

"When you are captain you have a lot of responsibility and have to help prepare the team," he explained. "This time I'm determined to enjoy this tournament as much as possible."
Since Nick Mallett took over as coach following RWC 2007 the depth and level of competition in the squad has increased, not least at second row.

Aside from Del Fava and Geldenhuys, Cornelius Van Zyl is another player Bortolami must overcome if he is to win a place in the starting team for their opening match with Australia on 11 September.

Big responsibility

''The competition helps us all raise our level as it means we have to bring new ideas to the team. It is fundamental that at this point we are all pulling in the same direction.

''We all expect to be in the starting line-up, but it is a long World Cup and everyone will get their chance. Even if they don't start the first game, they will get their chance in the later matches.

''It is a big responsibility on those who are selected as they have to get our World Cup started as best we can."