Italrugby, Gonzalo Quesada explains what was missing against South Africa

Despite the numerical inferiority that lasted for most of the test match, South Africa managed to withstand the impact of Italrugby, giving the decisive acceleration in the final to bring home a success that the 32-14 final only partially explains. Gonzalo Quesada, the Azzurri technical commissioner, admitted to having some regrets, especially for what was not materialized in the moments that proved decisive.

“I think Italy did many good things and basically dominated the first half – said Quesada -, while the second was more difficult. I was pleased to see that the guys stuck to the game plan and the alternation we had set, with good defense and solid discipline. The missed scrum and the goal conceded late in the first half was one of the key moments of the game, along with some moments when we should have scored points and didn”.

“I am thinking in particular of when, down 6-10 and in double numerical superiority, we kicked instead of trying to seize the opportunity to attack from five meters and, perhaps, go ahead in the score – explained the Argentine coach.”

Then, in the final stages, when they had counter-attacking balls they made their individuality count”.

“South Africa is the best team in the world and we knew the depth of their roster, but I am disappointed because we could have been in a position to compete until the last minute– added Quesada -. We lacked, as I said, a bit of cynicism in the strong moments: we will continue to work to improve in this respect, but we did well today although we could have done even better”.