Italy bring in the heavies

Power in the scrum a key aspect for the home-side

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 14th November 2008

Italy bring in the heavies

Ongaro: high hopes for Aguero partnership

Related links

Teams

Also see

Fabio Ongaro and his Italy team-mates are expecting a front-row battle when his side come up against Argentina on Saturday.

Ongaro has been included into the scrum to add power to the Italian front row - marking a return to the tactics that saw his side pip Argentina 13-12 in their last encounter.

"In June I was the first choice hooker for the win in Cordoba. The scrum will be the key," insisted Ongaro - who represents the only starting front-row player not to have been born in Argentina.

Indeed, Buenos Aires-born Matias Aguero will take up the role of loose-head prop, with his Saracens team-mate Ongaro confident that their club exploits together can only strengthen the Italian pack.

"It is a question of understanding. As it was for me three years ago his first season was difficult. Now we often play together," added the former Azzurri captain.

Tough

Argentina on the other hand head into the tie on the back of a scrappy 12-6 defeat to France and, despite their favourite status in this encounter, second-rower Patricio Albacete is expecting just as tight a game against Italy.

"Honestly I think it'll be just as demanding. They played against Australia and only lost in the last 10 minutes. It's going to be very tough," said Albacete.

"We know each other very well. They have a great size and I think this match will be as tough as it was against France or even tougher."