Kirwan sets bar high for Italian side

By WYNNE GRAY

Twin dates in September carry more significance for John Kirwan than tonight's test against the All Blacks.

They are Italy's last two qualifying matches for next year's World Cup, the first against Spain and the last against Romania in Catania. Win both and, according to Kirwan's reckoning, Italy will be pitched into the same cup section as the All Blacks.

JK is in full optimistic mode on the eve of his first international as a coach, discussing his thoughts and career plans. It is an honour, privilege and an opportunity for his young side to compete and measure themselves against the best, he says.

But Kirwan will be more satisfied if his team win their final World Cup qualifiers. That is one segment of the goals he has set for Italian rugby.

He then wants to arrest the wooden-spoon status Italy have held in the Six Nations championship and turn that reputation entirely on its head so Italy take the crown within the next five to eight years.

"I doubt whether I will be involved then, but we have to create a rugby movement in Italy; a change of thinking. We have to alter our standards.

"That gives us time to grow the game at the under-18 and under-21 levels, because it will be the younger guys coming through who are going to have to achieve targets for Italian rugby."

Kirwan has been reading the newspaper in the team bus, waiting as his side shower after their last strong hitout and team selection for the test at Waikato Stadium.

He loves being in New Zealand, but is not sure whether he is home or visiting.

He supports both emotions, just as many in his extended clan will tonight.

The group of about 40 relations and friends has split loyalties.

"I think they will wear neutral colours. They will want the All Blacks to succeed while hoping we can also create a strong performance."

Kirwan had a rapid rise this season to head coach. He was promoted at the expense of Brad Johnstone, who was sacked after another winless Six Nations series.

It was the sort of fast-track promotion Kirwan had as assistant Blues coach last season before both he and coach Frank Oliver were shown the exit.

For some, those scenarios would cause too much anguish. Not for Kirwan, even though he still has his coaching L-plates.

He has always searched for the positives, always viewing the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. This tour is the start of a golden chance for Italy and himself.

"I have never apologised for being ambitious and the Italian Rugby Federation has also set some goals which we want to achieve," he says.

Before this three-match tour, Kirwan said he wanted two wins and a decent performance against the All Blacks. So far, almost so good: the Italians beat Manawatu and then drew with the Divisional XV.

"I was disappointed with the last game, but we are positive, we are a young side and we are building for the future.

"This trip is tough on us because we have quite a few players out, but it is a fantastic experience and every kid's rugby dream to play the All Blacks."

The danger is that Italy will be overawed or intimidated tonight.

Countering that has been part of Kirwan's early coaching mission. He had to give the players a greater belief in their ability.

Kirwan has had to jump that same hurdle in the past few seasons.

"I do not like losing and while I accepted moving aside [from the Blues], at some stage I would like to come back, though not until the conditions are in my favour.

Success with the Italians would start a change in that criteria.

"I want to coach - I have always wanted to. It is a rocky road, but they say you learn more as a coach when you lose."

With that theory and his last few years, Kirwan might think he is due some coaching success.

Steady on, he warns. Success also means plenty of hard work, planning, organisation, changes in attitude and creating a more ruthless side.

"I was very fortunate to get this role," Kirwan says.

"I did not have a lot of experience, but the Italians have shown faith in me.

"My coaching has improved a hundred-fold since last season and this is all part of an incredible journey."