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Mallett aims to delay farewell

Friday 30 September 2011, 11:21PM

By Rugby World Cup 2011

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DUNEDIN

Italy coach Nick Mallett has called on his side to continue their development under his reign and make history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

The Azzurri are in a must-win clash with Ireland at Otago Stadium on Sunday, in which the loser is virtually guaranteed to exit the competition.

Ireland head Pool C with 13 points, but with Italy and Australia each on 10 points, an Azzurri win could send Ireland crashing out of Rugby World Cup 2011, with the Wallabies firm favourites to beat Russia a day earlier.

"I don't really have to talk to the players about this game," an emotional Mallett said. "Our whole objective has been to get to this point to give ourselves the best chance when we play Ireland. 

"We have to play really well as they are an excellent team and if we play really well we have the chance to get into the quarter-finals. Over these five days motivating is the last thing they need."

Emotional moment

Mallett will leave his post whenever their tournament comes to an end at which point he will be replaced by Frenchman Jacques Brunel.

The South African admitted that when the time comes it will be an emotional moment, but he wants the players to focus on Sunday's match.

The close link between the coach and his players was best shown after Italy beat France 22-21 in this year's Six Nations, the first time they had beaten their neighbours in the competition. 

At the final whistle Mallett was first on the field to embrace each player and coach and kick off a night of celebrations.

"In terms of relationship with the team and the staff, it has been a great four years," Mallett said. 

"In terms of the last two years, I have enjoyed coaching this team more than any other team I have coached before. In terms of human relationship this is the closest I have got to players.

Respected by all

"This match isn't about my last match or second-to-last match. It is about the development of this side, about how this team has turned itself into a side respected by every team in the world. 

"People used to put their B team out against us. No one puts their B team in against us now." 

Mallett has made one change to the team that beat USA 27-10. Andrea Masi returns at full back, with Luke McLean dropped to the bench.

The squad contains 15 of the players that featured in the match-day 22 for Italy's 13-11 loss to Ireland in Rome during the 2011 Six Nations.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for Mallett's side, who led with two minutes to spare before a Ronan O'Gara drop goal ended Italian dreams.

"The changing room was very quiet and it was the first time that I saw an Italian team disappointed at only doing well against a Six Nations team. 

Good sign

"It was a good sign, as it showed that they believed that they could beat the better teams in the Six Nations."

O'Gara is once again in line to end Italian dreams. The Munster veteran has been handed the starting fly half role and the chance to add to the 23 points he has scored so far at Rugby World Cup 2011.

"O'Gara is a player with a heap of experience," said Mallett. "He has lots of caps and has played in finals of the Heineken Cup. He has a good kick and is a slightly better kicker than Sexton. 

"They are an excellent side. The pack played well to beat Australia and the team has six players from the Lions. It will be a difficult challenge for the Italian players.

"We aren't just a one-trick pony and we aren't just a scrummaging side. I think it is the right time to point out that we have scored more tries than Ireland.

"We have improved in attack over the last two matches and now we have to improve in defence, but we are confident going into the match."