Spanish duo know victory is imperative

By Harry Scott-Munro
24/9/21

After a tense defeat to Scotland, it’s win or bust for Exeter Chiefs Women’s duo, Laura Delgado and Patricia Garcia, as they take on Italy in their final European RWC 2021 qualifier on Saturday (2pm).

Both Spain and Italy suffered defeat to Scotland and Ireland respectively last weekend, meaning that all four teams head into the final round of matches level on wins and separated by the narrowest of margins.

Italy won the most recent clash back in 2017, a tight 20-15 victory in the 2017 Rugby World Cup ninth-place play-off, but there will be even more pressure hinging on this match though, as both sides know that a defeat is highly likely to end their hopes of qualification.

Lining up again for the Spanish will be the vastly experienced Garcia and Delgado, the latter of whom will skipper her side into action.

Spain coach José Antonio Barrio is fully aware of the challenge of going up against an Italian side that will be roared on by the home support in Parma and was open in admitting that he expects a physical clash on Saturday.

“Italy are a mature team that know how to compete. They play at a strong pace, and they will play on home soil with the extra energy of their fans. They are a really tough rival.”

The Spanish coach though was confident that his side had prepared for the challenge.

“We're expecting the crowd to give huge support to their home team as the tournament requires, but we're prepared for that too.”

Spain have kept faith with the bulk of the side that almost secured victory over Scotland last time out with María Garcia and Iera Echebarría coming into the back three, as the only changes to the starting XV. Amongst the replacements there are two changes, with Paula Medín and Alba Vinuesa coming into the side.

SPAIN TEAM TO FACE ITALY WOMEN

15. Maria Garcia
14. Bea Dominquez
13. Amaia Erbina
12. Amalia Argudo
11. Iera Echebarria
10. Anne Fernandez De Corres
9. Patricia Garcia
1. Saioa Juarena
2. Marga Rodriguez
3. Laura Delgado (capt)
4. Anna Puig
5. Monica Castelo
6. Olivia Fresneda
7. Maria Calvo
8. Lourdes Alameda

16. Isobel Rico
17. Cristina Blanco
18. Maika Brust
19. Carmen Castellucci
20. Paula Medin
21. Lucia Diaz
22. Alba Vinuesa
23. Eva Aguirre