Bloemfontein-born and raised loose forward, Dries van Schalkwyk, is set for his international debut after being named on the Italian bench for their Six Nations opener against France on Saturday.

The former Blue Bulls, Lions and Toyota Free State Cheetahs player was named in Jaqcues Brunnel’s team for the match in Paris and will be doing cover for Azzurri captain and stalwart, Sergio Parrise.

Van Schalkwyk, who attended St Andrews School and is set to become their first international player, told OFM Sport that for him it’s all about learning as much as he can from Parrise.

“He’s a legend in rugby already, he’s pretty much done it all and will be the number eight in any team in the world.

“For me it’s not about competition, it’s about learning as much as I can from him and it will be an incredible privilege to play alongside him.”

Parisse will be playing in his 115th test for Italy, equalling prop Martin Castrogiovanni’s record.

Van Schalkwyk who is from a non-traditional rugby school added that talent makes a player, not one's alma mater.

“I’m a very proud Saints’ boy, I learnt and grew a lot in the St Andrews’ culture, but firstly we have to respect the Grey (College) system, they are probably the best rugby school in the world.

“Your talent is given to you when you’re born, it can’t be taken away. What school you go to doesn’t matter.

“It can be developed better in better systems, but ultimately it’s up to you to cherish your talent and look after it.

The Azzurri’s match against France kicks off at 16:25 on Saturday afternoon, while at 18:50 Scotland host England at Murrayfield and on Sunday afternoon at five o’clock Ireland tackle Wales at Lansdowne Road.

Italy - 15 David Odiete, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mattia Bellini, 10 Carlo Canna, 9 Edoardo Gori,  8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Francesco Minto, 5 Marco Fuser, 4 George Fabio Biagi, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Ornel Gega, 1 Andrea Lovotti. 

Replacements - 16 Davide Giazzon, 17 Matteo Zanusso, 18 Martin Castrogiovanni, 19 Valerio Bernabo, 20 Andries Van Schalkwyk, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Kelly Haimona, 23 Luke McLean.

Morgan Piek/OFM News