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Last Updated: Saturday, 19 March, 2005, 23:22 GMT
Kirwan battles to save Italy job
France centre Yannick Jauzion breaks through the Italian defence
Italy's rugby supremo admits John Kirwan's job as coach is under threat after the Azzurri ended their RBS Six Nations campaign with defeat to France.

Kirwan insists he has "no intention of leaving" but Italian Rugby Federation president (FIR) Giancarlo Dondi says it may not be the coach's decision.

"I will have to speak to the council, and talk to the players who are the stars on the pitch," Dondi said.

"We will take a decision as soon as possible but I'm very disappointed."

Italy were left with the Wooden Spoon after a winless campaign for the first time under Kirwan, who enjoyed victories over Wales in 2003 and Scotland last year after succeeding Brad Johnstone in 2002.

Mistakes cost us a lot, and France have made us pay
John Kirwan
The Italians started well in a home defeat against Ireland, but missed kicks ended hopes of a victory at Murrayfield and they were hammered by Wales, England and France.

"Perhaps, in this situation, I can also say that my job could be in jeopardy but as I am president, when things go badly it's the coach who suffers first," Dondi added ominously.

Kirwan, who is under contract until the 2007 World Cup, believes his side were beaten by "a great France" on Saturday.

"We wanted to play a good game, and we managed to hold them for 60 minutes, but then they showed their quality," he said.

"Mistakes cost us a lot, and France have made us pay."




WATCH AND LISTEN
Highlights: Italy 13-56 France


Interview: Italy coach John Kirwin


Interview: France coach Bernard Laporte



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