Brunel names squad for Six Nations

Italy coach Jacques Brunel called on the Azzurri to build on their promising November test campaign as he named his 30-man squad for the Six Nations here on Thursday.

Italy kick off their campaign by hosting 2011 World Cup finalists France at the Olympic Stadium on February 3, and have two other home games, against Wales on February 23 and Ireland on March 16.

The Azzurri, who recently came close to securing an historic draw against Australia in the November tests, also play Scotland and England away.

Brunel has already taken Italy into the top ten of the IRB rankings - a feat that former coach Nick Mallett did not achieve in his four-year tenure. Now the Frenchman wants his side to achieve their full potential by starting to believe they can challenge the very best.

"One of the biggest challenges I have is convincing the players of their own ability and potential to challenge the best," Brunel told AFP here Thursday.

AFP