Italy captain Alessandro Moscardi has denied being part of a conspiracy to oust New Zealander Brad Johnstone as coach, the Italian sports press reported on Saturday.

Johnstone has had to weather a hail of criticism from media and Italian officials throughout his three-year tenure, and according to reports some senior players are sharpening their knives.

But hooker Moscardi has rejected suggestions of a plot to get Johnstone replaced, saying that he and fellow team members Cristian Stoica, Alessandro Troncon and Carlo Checchinato were only concerned with matters on the pitch.

"We are only thinking of playing and honouring the jersey," Moscardi said in a statement that fell someway short of expressing full support for Johnstone.

"I as captain and Troncon, Stoica and Checchinato would like to distance ourselves from all that has been written in quotes and controversies repeated by the press," said the Treviso player.

Moscardi, his three teammates and flyhalf Diego Dominguez were all appointed to a 'senior players committee' earlier this season.

Significantly, Moscardi did not deny that Dominguez - reportedly Johnstone's biggest critic - had plotted against the coach. Asked if Dominguez had wanted to put his name to the statement, Moscardi said: "We have not spoken with Dominguez."

Moscardi's statement also added ominously: "Everything that happens off the pitch is the responsibility of others. There are people delegated to programme, to evaluate and to decide to intervene if necessary."

Last Saturday's 29-12 defeat by Scotland at the Stadio Flaminio was Italy's 11th consecutive Six Nations reverse following their memorable 34-20 triumph over the same opposition two years ago on their Six Nations debut.

Johnstone, who had to endure vitriolic questioning after last week's defeat, refused to fall on his sword. "Obviously I will be under pressure from people who do not want me here but as long as I am here I will do my best for Italy.

The coach must take the blame. It's a fact of life. I'm not going to jump," he said.

Johnstone continues to receive the staunch support of FIR president Giancarlo Dondi. "As far as I am concerned, yes," Dondi told AFP when asked if Johnstone's position was secure after the Scotland match. "And if the board want to do something they have to ask my permission first."

The arrival of another former All Black John Kirwan as Johnstone's number two seems to have brought matters to a head with the former winger wooing the Italian press with his fluent Italian and his charm. - Sapa