Italy add third NZ-born player to national squad

ROME - New Zealand-born Rima Wakarua has won a surprise late call-up into Italy's World Cup squad.

The uncapped Brescia first-five edged Leicester's Ramiro Pez out of coach John Kirwan's 31-man squad.

Wakarua arrived in Italy from Auckland five years ago and is a naturalised Italian.

Italian spokesman Giacomo Mazzochi said Pez, who earned a dream move from Rotherham to two-time European Cup winners Leicester on the back of some stirring performances in last season's Six Nations tournament, was not selected for "technical reasons".

"We placed a lot of faith in Pez but unfortunately, for one reason or another, he failed to reach the standards we were looking for," Mazzochi said.

"That's why we opted for Wakarua. He won promotion with his club Brescia last season and for us is a complete player."

Other former New Zealanders in the squad are loose forwards Matt Phillips and Aaron Persico.

Italy, who have never gone beyond the first round at the World Cup, kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Melbourne on October 11.

Meanwhile, flying Blues winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca will spearhead Fiji's cup campaign after being named in a 30-man squad.

He was included despite an injury-plagued season which has limited his appearances both at Super 12 and international level.

Coach Mac McCallion said he had kept faith with the core of the players who have trained together since June.

The only players who have broken into the squad late are Northland NPC winger Caucaunibuca, utility forward Vula Maimuri, another Super 12 player, and Japan-based Norman Ligairi, all of whom were injured when initial training started three months ago.

McCallion's squad includes 17 forwards and 13 backs, with emphasis on utility players.

- AGENCIES