Catania v Sale
By MacShark
October 21 2004
Pizza, pasta, gelato, sunshine. All these and more will be missing for those left behind in Manchester. MacShark dons sunglasses, sun cream and a smug grin as he sets off for Italy. But not before penning these thoughts...
When in “Goretti”.
Sale Sharks take on the ‘Supermen of Stadio Santa Maria Goretti of Sicily’.
Amatori Catania have by their own standards been meteoric this season. In the words of their wing Massimilliano Perziano “we fight for supremacy” and their South African but most naturalised Catanese captain Benjamin De-Jager “we have touched the sky, and dedicate this to our wonderful public”. In their own words they and the entire team know that the hour is coming and the men cometh. Amatori Catania has welcomed the Sharks of Sale to the “Goretti”.
Amatori Catania occupy the 4th spot in the Italian Super 10, behind Calvisano, Arix Viadana and Benetton Treviso. The 10,000 capacity Goretti has witnessed two defeats this season, including the first day loss 18 –38 to Arix Viadana. Since then only the might of Benetton Treviso, and by one try only, has prevailed in Amatori Catania’s spiritual home. The latest team to be put to the sword was the high flying Calvisano, 29 –12. A three game winning run since Benetton Treviso has seen the men of red, white and black notch up 98 points, attacking throughout the season so far they average about 27 points for a game. Either their Scottish fly half is mercurial with the boot, or this team like Sale prides itself on attacking expansive rugby. The latter would appear the more likely, as defensively they have leaked 204 points in eight matches. The Sicilian side may be as big and strong as their mascot the ‘elefante’, their scrum has received rave reviews, but charging forward they have surpassed their own expectations to date.
So the question to ask is can an unseeded team with no superstars of rugby, no current internationals, threaten the dream of Sale to lift the trophy ?
Only a fool would dismiss this. This team may not have household rugby names but perhaps a familiar name or two to Sale players and fans alike.
The Amatori Catania squad includes;
Props: Augusto Allori, Girolamo Bombaci, Frederico Condorelli, Mario
Pereya,
Sevelio Pomee,
Hookers: Juan Aiello, Lucas Recalde, Massimilliano Vinti
Locks: Benjamin De-Jager (captain), Mario Privitera, Juan Pablo Larrigue
Back Row : Orazio Arancio, Nicolas Galatro, Pablo Sciaretta, Olivier Sverzut, Augustin Virgolini
Scrum half: Juan Cruz Viassolo, Massimilliano Gervagna, Johnny Gerraso
Fly half: Barry Irving, Juan Pablo Rodrigues
Centres: Aaron Cowie, Pablo Chiappini, Paul Emerick, Jacob Gaina
Wings: Rossario Di-Paola, Massimilliano Perziano
Full Back: Chris Catling, Juan Cosa
Players of note should include Barry Irving, Chris “crazy legs” Catling, Paul Emerick, Aaron Cowie & Jacob Gaina in the backs. From the forwards Sale will be looking out for the captain De-Jager and Nicolas Gallatro, not forgetting a certain Juan Pablo Larrigue.
Barry Irving, former Glasgow Rugby flyhalf, has been playing prestigious rugby for the Catanese this season from hand and boot, and is likely to start. Outside of him, is likely to be an old acquaintance of Mike Hercus from the USA Eagles squad, a full back that plays naturally as a centre also. In terms of Fullback Catania also possess one of the Shed’s old favourites Chris “crazy legs Catling. Chris has England A honours in addition to representing Exeter, the Cherry and Whites & Worcester. Further attacking prowess should be provided with Italian Sevens speedster Jacob Gaina. Grunt upfront is undoubtly the game of the South African lock Benjamin De-Jager, ex-Agen number eight Oliver Sverut and two argentinians Nicolas Galatro and Juan Pablo Larrigue. If anyone had anything to prove against a team that felt his talents were surplus to requirement, it would be the latter.
So to the Sharks side sent out to unfamiliar waters. “We are taking the competition seriously as winning it gives a passport into the Heineken Cup” was how Philippe Saint Andre introduced his team. Focussing on the inclusion a mix of experience and youth. Pete Anglesea, Sale legend, (& coach of the rampant Sale Supporters Sevens Team) returns to captaincy. Big Red is joined by Trevor Woodman returning after injury, with Pierre Caillet & the ever impressive Barry Stewart to meet the ‘elefante’ head on up front. Mike Hercus should enjoy marshalling a back line bristling with youthful speed and vigour from Ben Foden and James Moore setting up to the first team. The steel and guile provided by the two Chris’s in the middle. PSA has emphasised the need to think holistically, so Sililo Martens, Dean Schofield, Andy Titterall and Stuart Turner,Phil Davies, Martin Halsall keep the bench warm with the greatest scrum half of all time, just in case alternative therapy is required.
As for support, an advance party of Sale fans will be landing in Italy as this written, another cohort will be smuggling more inflatable sharks through Italian customs tomorrow.Of course, there will be the odd bevitore di birra who is looking for a giardino di pub dove si degusta la birra. Moreover the “Goretti” will hear more than just SSSAAAAYYYUUULLL, perhaps a friendly call of segnalinee non buono to the touch judge, to the referee if some stray over the backfoot may be, e un furigoco immense, or if unsure of his visual acuity then arbitro sel cieco? And if all else fails, duo pinte di guinnes e un vino bianco dolle per qul ragallo alto.
This is without doubt a game Sale will want to win and win well, with a view to lifting the trophy next year. Not many had heard of Amatori Catania prior to the draw, but this team had definitely heard of Sale, it has belief and confidence. They have the same ‘etat de spirit’ as the side PSA is moulding, an attacking game of rugby, in front of a passionate public is undoubtedly on the Sicilian menu, the hour cometh.
MacShark
SES M23