Emi Bergamaschi chats ahead of the Swansea game

Emi Bergamaschi
By Duncan Wood
December 6 2002

Emiliano Bergamaschi has quietly established himself in Bristol's front row this season. He spared me a few minutes this week to chat ahead of the Heineken Cup clash with Swansea this weekend.

The last two weeks have seen really good away wins at Bath and Newcastle. Why has the team suddenly turned the corner away from home?

Well, we've been working very hard. We've been working very hard since the beginning of the season but now we are getting more confident and starting to win some games, important games.

I think the general play is more organised now and everything has improved. Confidence has improved and the defence is working very well and that is an important thing.

People are saying that you've improved your own game since you arrived and that you're fitter and more involved. Do you agree?

Yes, because I've worked hard on my fitness and now I can work more in the game. I think my play is improving all the time and I want to keep improving both those things.

Swansea should be a tough game in the forwards. What do you think?

Yes. I've heard of Swansea and that they have a strong pack and very good backs. It will be a game between a Welsh team and an English team which will be an added ingredient.

It will be very tough because it's a Heineken Cup game and very important to both teams. Important for us so that we improve our chances of qualifying and for them to improve their position by getting a win.

As you say, they've yet to win in the Heineken Cup. Do you think that will make them more determined?

Yes. Obviously they will feel the same as we did when we were bottom of the table. You want points and you want to win games. They will feel like that at the moment and they will do anything to win.

Focussing on the front row. It's been reported that you've been having extra scrummaging sessions with Mike Griffiths. How have you found those?

I think we are improving our scrummaging a lot. We are working very, very hard. I think it was a very good decision for the team. We'll have to keep going and keep improving our scrum but, at the moment, we're sorting out some issues and moving forward.

The team has only conceded one try in the last two games, a penalty try. Have you been working very hard on defence?

Yes. The Tuesday sessions are very, very hard. We do the defence and defensive skills and then, after training, an hour of scrums. So, Tuesdays are very hard!

Finally, are you enjoying your time in England and enjoying the rugby?

Yes. I am very happy here. I am enjoying my rugby and enjoying a new experience living in Bristol. I enjoy the city and am improving my English. I am very happy.