After watching several of his Italian stars enjoy their best ever Six Nations, Benetton Treviso coach Franco Smith is convinced they can take the final step and claim the one RaboDirect PRO12 scalp to have evaded them. For while Smith’s charges may have helped Italy to victory over France and Ireland, they have never beaten the Cardiff Blues – something he hopes to rectify on Saturday. Treviso are unbeaten in their last two league games, with a stunning 34-10 win over Munster at the Stadio Monigo followed by an equally-entertaining 29-29 draw with Ulster at Ravenhill. Smith welcomes back a number of Italy’s Six Nations stars, with Alessandro Zanni, Lorenzo Cittadini and Leonardo Ghiraldini all starting. But in five games with the Blues they have only picked up one losing bonus point from a 13-20 defeat on home soil in March 2012, a record Smith is keen to end. “I’m really proud of what the guys did on international duty, with the display against Ireland. I’m pleased because they all contributed,” said Smith. “Even without their internationals I think [the Blues] are an underrated team, they are very strong. “They like to play and keep the ball in hand, and if you add in the players who have just won the Six Nations, that will be an extra boost for them. “We have grown a lot since the last time we played them. They played very well here last year but I think we have that extra desire and want to give something back to our fans. We want to get the monkey of our backs as well.” Victory for Cardiff would see the Welsh outfit leapfrog tomorrow’s opponents in the RaboDirect PRO12 table, but the Blues have only won one of their last four PRO12 games. They have won all 15 previous contests against Italian opponents, however, and will give new Samoan signing Filo Paulo a debut while also welcoming back Lloyd Williams at scrum-half. Paulo, the former Auckland Blues lock impressed during Samoa’s 26-19 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in the autumn, and is looking forward to making his PRO12 bow. “The rugby up here is a lot more physical and I like that side to the game,” said the Wellington-born 25-year-old. “I will try and help the Blues as much as I can. “It seems to be a more forward-orientated game and will be tough on the body and I am relishing this chance. “I know a lot of great players have worn the team’s colours, so I am extremely grateful to be offered this opportunity and I will be giving my all in order to meet the high standards set by my team-mates, the coaching staff and the supporters. “Cardiff is a great city and the people are very friendly which will make the transition to Wales much easier. The dedicated fans and awesome game atmosphere are second to none so I am really looking forward to the challenge.” At Stadio Monigo, 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK & Ireland). Live on S4C/Sportitalia Referee: Giuseppe Vivarini (FIR, 7th competition game) Assistant Referees: Claudio Passacantando, Simone Boaretto (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Maurizio Vancini (FIR) TMO: Mauro Dordolo (FIR)
