Azzurri snap up Mallett

Azzurri snap up Mallett

19 Aug 2007

Nick Mallett is expected to replace Pierre Berbizier as head coach of Italy.

According to Rapport newspaper, Mallett will officially get the job on Sunday.

Mallett’s contract as WP director of rugby finishes at the end of the year, but he has taken a back seat since the arrival of Rassie Erasmus in Cape Town. He coached the Boks from 1997 to 2000 and had a 71% win rate. The Italy job will be his first with another national side.

Berbizier is favoured to replace Bernard Laporte as France’s coach after the World Cup. The Frenchman helped Italy finish third in the Six Nations this year, including historic wins against Scotland and Wales, and has a 40% win rate with the side. This is superior to Italy’s last two coaches, John Kirwan (31%) and Brad Johnstone (15%).

Meanwhile, the Azzurri beat Japan 36-12 in a World Cup warm-up match on Saturday. They were made to work hard for the win, but eventually outscored their opponents by five tries to two.


57 Comments

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  • 51.munkiboi: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 03:23 am

    such a shame SA cant find a use for this man’s immense talents.

    england must have a replacement lined up for after the world cup – ai am surprised they haven’t tried to lure nick.

    any news on what jake’s doing afeter the WC?

  • 52.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 03:51 am

    maybe another 5yrs for Italy to be competitive with the big boys

    they got to stop picking kak saffa, Aussie and kiwi players.

  • 53.joeboy: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 06:37 am

    How the mighty have fallen
    Coaching Italy is no big deal.
    Mallets firing of Teichman was his own demise
    What goes around cums around

  • 54.joeboy: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 06:39 am

    at least he will learn another language

  • 55.THEKOMS: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 08:52 am

    toe hy hier was het hy gese hy wil nie afrigter wees nie, maar nou gaan en oorsee om `n span soos Italie af te rig.

  • 56.Mick Dundee: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 09:44 am

    Good luck in Italy, Nick. At least you’ll be appreciated there.

  • 57.leeanthonyw: Reply to this comment
    20 Aug 2007, 10:03 am

    Bad news for SA, but bladdy good news for the Italians.

    Mallet was one of our best coaches ever

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