Born: 12.09.83
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 15st
Position: Number Eight
Club: Treviso
Caps: 8
Points: 0

Charged with the onerous task of proving himself as the long-term successor to Carlo Checchinato at the back of the Italy scrum, the 20-year-old has taken the opportunity with both hands.

Has yet to add international try-scoring to his game, something Checchinato had in abundance, but the Argentina-born number eight will relish the chance to test himself at the highest level of all.

Has met every challenge so far head on and looks set for a lengthy international career in the Italy pack.