Captain Geldenhuys wants first win
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Quintin Geldenhuys, who on Saturday will captain Italy for the first time against Fiji, is looking to start off with a bang.
Geldenhuys leads a team that has plenty of experience, especially in the scrum, but one noticeable absentee is usual captain Sergio Parisse.
Jacques Brunel spoke of his teams experience as well as its enthusiasm.
"The team that we have chosen has a good base of experience, especially in the scrum," he said
"But as always, we have enthusiasm and a desire to show off with some of our younger players.
"Guglielmo Palazzani is one of these exciting players who makes his debut at No.9."
Sergio Parisse's absence means the No.8 jersey will fall on the shoulders of Manoa Vosawi who was born in Fiji.
"We know Manoa and his qualities," the coach Brunel said
"Saturday is a good chance for him to show off, since he has often had to play in Parisse's shadow.
No doubt that, for him, it will be an exciting time."
Geldenhuys, ready to make his debut with the captains arm-band, has clear ideas.
"We have to win and regain confidence after the Six Nations," he said.
"I'm sure that this team has all the necessary means to achieve the objectives it has set.
"Winning is a habit, a state of mind, so it is crucial for us to overcome Fiji.
"The team worked well, we are a big group , there is the right balance between young and experienced athletes.
"For Palazzani it is an excellent opportunity to confirm the good things he did in the season with the Zebre, he has already been part of the international squad at the Six Nations without playing. "
"The scrum is our strong point, there is a lot of experience in the top eight men and the battle will begin there, but we are here to play good rugby, move the ball, we do not only want to battle with the Fijians up front. "
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