Allan: Italy ready to tackle Springboks’ physical might

TOMMASO "Tommy" Allan, the nephew of former Springbok hooker John Allan, says the Azzurri have worked ceaselessly to find a way to stop the green-and gold machine they tackle tomorrow in Turin.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Allan is the son of William Allan, John’s brother and also a former hooker. William played for Glenwood Old Boys in Durban before seeking a fortune in Italian rugby. He made a success of his career in Italy and married a local lady.

Interestingly, Tommaso played for the Scotland U20 team — his grandparents are Scottish — before pinning his colours to the Azzuri mast.

“We know the Boks are in great form and that it will be a very tough game,” said Allan, who plays for the French team Perpignan.

“We've been studying them all week — how they attack, how they defend — to understand how to put them under pressure. They're the best team in the world, and after what they did against France, they'll be even more fired up.”