Rugby World Cup Match Report - Australia 32 - 6 Italy
The match kicked off in driving rain in the North Harbour stadium as The Wallabies looked to assert their dominance over the underdogs Italy. The rain lasted for only a few minutes though, and so did the expectations of an easy win for Australia.
First Half
Italy held possession for the first ten minutes of the game, and a clever chip from Italian fly-half Lucianco Orquera into the in-goal area very nearly saw a beautiful try from fullback Andrea Massi who was beaten by a matter of millimetres by Quade Cooper who snuffed out any threat from the Italians.
Italy responded with some wonderful pack work, driving towards the Australian line with their formidable front row, but were penalised for not releasing the ball at the breakdown. A kick to touch from Australia saw Italy steal the line-out ball, and were soon awarded a penalty themselves. They showed real intent by opting to kick to the corner rather than the posts, and Australia found themselves defending their line once again.
After some strong possession and so good drving by the forwards, Italy were awarded another penalty which Italian kicker Mirco Bergamasco failed to convert to three points.
Straight after the kick, the Wallabies were awarded a penalty for Leonardo Gheraldini's late tackle on Quade Cooper. Cooper slotted it over for a cool 3 points.
Australia 3 “ 0 Italy
The restart saw more of the Australia that was expected, and a beautiful line break from Blind Side Rocky Elsom saw the Wallabies inject some pace into the game.
Some decent attack from Australia saw the Italians defending their lines for sone minutes before the Wallabies were awarded another penalty for more foul play at the breakdown. Cooper stepped up to keep the score board ticking over.
Australia 6 “ 0 Italy
The Italian defence held steadfast when David Pocock found some space and looked to threaten the Italian line. Great tackling and strong defence meant that he couldn't get through, and Italy were awarded the line out.
Italy continued to shock the Australians, and some wonderful attacking play saw the Azzuri awarded another penalty. Mirco Bergamasco proved his critics wrong with a wonderfully struck kick from an awkward angle.
Australia 6 “ 3 Italy
Almost straight from the restart, Italy showed yet more intent to score, and a beautiful kick into space by Orquera saw the Australians running back desparatley trying to cover their lines. Quade Cooper found the ball but was penalised for not releasing as the Italians tried to rip the ball from him. Another Bergamasco kick levelled things up for the interval.
Half Time “ Australia 6 “ 6 Italy
The second half started much the same as the first finished. Australia had more of the possession, but the Italian defence was sublime. It wasn't to last however, and some beautiful running by Quade Cooper and support from Kurtley Beale and replacement James O'Connor saw the Wallabies up on the Italian line. A short pass to Ben Alexander saw him crash over the line for the first try of the match.
Australia 11 “ 6 Italy
Australia continued to build on their lead, and a line-out throw by Stephen Moore saw Australia make a fantastic line break, when Adam Ashley-Cooper ran in for an easy try under the posts. O'Connor adds the conversion.
Australia 18 “ 6 Italy
The Italian heads seemed to drop after the second try, and it wasn't long before James O'Connor added a third. Some handling errors from Massi and Benvenuti saw Australia gaining the momentum and offloading beautifully to the replacement winger who became the tournaments youngest try scorer. The conversion attempt was successful.
Australia 25 “ 6 Italy
Things continued to go downhill for Italy, and following a string of substitutions from both teams, Australia were to score their fourth try. Some nice passing play from the Australian back line saw winger Digby Ioane stream over for the bonus point win. O'Connor adds the points.
Australia 32 “ 6 Italy
Italy just couldn't find a way through the Australian defence, and despite some wonderful scrimmaging and some inspiring attack play, they just could not put more points on the board.
Perhaps the result is not a surprise, Australia are very much the team to beat at the moment in World Rugby, but Italy gave them a good run and in the first half showed that they are not a team to be taken lightly. Both teams have set up their stalls for the rest of the group matches, and Ireland may well be worried about playing both teams after today's match.
Full Time “ Australia 32 “ 6 Italy
Man of the Match “ James Horwill
Australia:
Tries: Alexander, Ashley-Cooper, O'Connor, Ioane
Conversions: O'Connor (3)
Penalty Kicks: Cooper (2)
Italy:
Penalty Kicks: Bergamasco (2)
