Stoica - penetrative three-quarter. (Getty Images)
ALESSANDRO STOICA
Born: 01.08.76
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 14st 11lb
Position: Centre
Club: Montpellier
Caps: 52
Points: 50
Born in Romania, Stoica - who is also known by his first name 'Christian' - burst onto the scene when playing in the Italian First Division with Milan in 1990 and a star was born.
Four months into his senior career and at the age of 20 he was called up for the Italian side to face Spain and has been a fixture ever since.
Originally a centre, he switched to full-back briefly in 2002 but was back in his favoured position for the autumn internationals.
He is the one player with genuine penetration in the Italian three-quarter line and the man most likely to profit from their strong pack.
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