To be fair, this coach has a history of getting the best out of so called ‘weaker nations’.
Conor O’Shea is looking forward to this year’s Six Nations with a sense of optimism.
After taking over Italy at the end of last season, O’Shea has enjoyed some decent success with the Azurri.
O’Shea and Italy secured wins over Canada, the United States and of course their historic victory over South Africa in November.
In his short tenure with Italy, talisman and captain, Sergio Parisse, has already stated that O’Shea is “someone who wants to give everything of himself.”
"He's someone who wants to give everything of himself. It's fantastic." @sergioparisse, president of the Conor O'Shea Fan Club#RBS6Nations pic.twitter.com/ow1pHdnMiS
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 25, 2017
So it clear he is already having a positive effect on the players.
O’Shea knows, however, the challenge that awaits his side in the upcoming Six Nations.
He recently spoke about how it is his first goal to make Italy competitive again and a side to be feared in Europe.
No pressure https://t.co/MHKhglGIQF
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 23, 2017
O’Shea is completely aware that this will be no easy task and as a result has sought the advice of a coach who has experience of getting the most of a limited group of players.
England’s Eddie Jones famously masterminded Japan’s excellent performances throughout the 2015 World Cup which included, like O’Shea, a historic victory over the Springboks.
O’Shea told Sky Sports that he met with Jones to see if his experiences in Japan could help him with his task of making Italy competitive again.
“I had a great coffee and catch-up with Eddie (Jones) over Christmas just to talk about his experiences in Japan to see if that could help me with my time with Italy and the cultural changes.”
There are a number of challenges facing O’Shea ahead of his first Six Nations in charge of the Azzurri.
First of all he will need to instill a sense of belief and confidence in a side which lost all of their games in last year’s tournament.
Although Italy have been competitive at times and are in possession of some very good players, how quickly their performances drop as the tournament progresses must be a concern.
For example, Italy nearly pulled off something special in a 23-21 defeat to France in last season’s tournament opener, before receiving thrashings from the likes of Ireland, England and Wales as the tournament progressed.
Italy open their campaign with a home tie against Wales and there is no doubt that O’Shea will be targeting this game after Rob Howley’s side experienced a mixed November series with included a loss to Australia and narrow victory of Japan.
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