The Italians won (38-17) in Nice against Uruguay. They confirm their good start to the World Cup.
Italy hosted Uruguay for the third day of the Rugby World Cup. It was the second match for both teams. The Italians wanted to confirm their bonus win against Namibia and perhaps even cause an upset in this group. Mission accomplished as teammates of Ange Capuozzo secured a win (38-17).
From the beginning of the match, the Uruguayans attempted to set the pace and impose their game. However, teammates of Aratta were penalized too often, giving Italy the opportunity to open the score. After a scrum five meters from the line, winger Pani broke away on the outside of the ruck and grounded the ball in the try zone. Following this try, Los Teros regrouped and took possession of the ball.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 27th minute, after an Italian prop collapsed a maul. The referee awarded a penalty try, bringing the Uruguayans back into the game.
Double penalized with a yellow card, Italy, down to thirteen against fifteen, suffered but did not break. Yet in the thirty-seventh minute, Uruguay took the lead with a well-executed pass on the wide. Freitas dove into the try zone, giving Los Teros a seven-point lead.
And in the last minute, fly-half Etcheverry executed a drop goal to give Uruguay a ten-point lead at halftime. The Italians were tossed around and needed to react if they wanted to win.
Italy woke up
A reaction was needed, and it happened. With the changes, the Italians brought width back into their game and found spaces more easily. The Uruguayan defense struggled physically and was punished as early as the 46th minute by Lamaro who revived the squadra azzura.
An electric shock for Krowel‘s men. They scored two new tries in ten minutes. Achievements by Ioane and Cannone secured the offensive bonus for Italy. A staggering 28-0 in twenty minutes delivered a real blow to the Uruguayans. Each time converted by fly-half Tommaso Allan, the Italians pulled away and appeared too strong for their opponents that evening.
And when you think it’s over, there’s more as center Brex scored the fifth try, giving Italy an eleven-point lead.
They ultimately won (38-17) and continue to confidently believe in their chances in this group. The Italians will face the New Zealanders next week, while the Uruguayans will take on the Namibians.
