sport news Italy's racing snake is out to bite England! 'I'm scared of nothing', says Ange ... trends now
Appearing from Rome via FaceTime and speaking through a translator, Ange Capuozzo's baby-faced features and wide-eyed grin mean you could easily confuse him for a boy.
Don't let the Italian full-back's appearance fool you. This is one of rugby's true giants.
At less than six foot and under 13 stone, Capuozzo doesn't fit that description literally. Physically, he is one of the smallest players in the Six Nations. But he is also one of its biggest stars. The 23-year-old has the rugby world at his feet.
Next on his to do list is a visit to Twickenham. England beware.
'I'm scared of nothing on the pitch,' Capuozzo tells Sportsmail. 'It's not a problem for me that there are a lot of big men who come up against me. The only thing I think during a game is that against an opponent, it is one against one. In that scenario, we are equal.
Italy full back beat the giant French back-row Gregory Alldritt with exceptional footwork
Diminutive Ange Capuozzo likened his stunning try against France to David versus Goliath!
'Even if the other person is a lot bigger than me, I have other qualities to show.'
No better was Capuozzo's ability to take on today's rugby behemoths shown than on the opening weekend of the Six Nations. Italy gave defending champions France a real scare in Rome.
But it was Capuozzo's try – which saw him 'stand up' and beat the giant French back-row Gregory Alldritt with exceptional footwork to score under heavy pressure – which was the highlight.
'Alldritt was basically trying to catch a racing snake,' Danielle Waterman said on the ITV commentary as Capuozzo slithered into the corner to produce his latest incredible individual effort.
'Unbelievable from Capuozzo,' Waterman added.
You get the feeling the snake comparison might stick.
'Yes, yes, yes. I agree with this description,' Capuozzo says. 'I like it! If you look at a picture of the try, it looks like David versus Goliath! Every player has to have confidence in themselves that they can be stronger. That is what I did to score the try. In that moment, I realised there were two possibilities.
Italian is one of the smallest players in Six Nations, but is also one of its biggest stars
'One was to move the ball in the other direction. The other was to try and back my pace and score.
'When I took the ball, I saw a little space in the corner. I tried to be confident in my speed. I knew Alldritt is a really good player. I hope that next time I face him he will not give me a strong tackle for the try! I was happy to score but the most important thing is to help the team.
'Capuozzo is certainly doing that and more. When asked what has changed for him since becoming one of rugby's newest superstars, he briefly switches from Italian to English to answer.
'Everything,' he replies, a wicked smile spreading across his lips.Capuozzo first caught the attention of the wider rugby public in last year's Six Nations when he was still playing for French second division side and his home city club Grenoble.
His astonishing break set-up a last-minute, match-winning try for Edoardo Padovani against Wales and sealed Italy's first Championship win since 2015. Wales wing Josh Adams was named man of the match in Cardiff that day but gave his medal to Capuozzo in recognition of his stellar display.
Capuozzo moved to French giants Toulouse last summer and in December, he was named World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year for 2022. His upward curve shows no sign of
