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Italy demolish Russia in World Cup warm-up
By Online Editors
Italy racked up the second-highest points tally in their history as they stormed to an 85-15 World Cup warm-up victory over Russia on Saturday.
Only in a 104-8 demolition of the Czech Republic in 1994 have Italy scored more, with Matteo Minozzi responsible for three of his side’s 13 tries in San Benedetto Del Tronto.
Mattia Bellini and Edoardo Padovani touched down twice apiece, while Tommaso Allen kicked 12 points, including a conversion, after touching down himself early in the second half.
Italy, who lost all of their Six Nations matches earlier this year, visit France and England before heading to Japan for the World Cup next month.
England Head Coach Eddie Jones said Wales was a brilliant World Cup warm-up after his side lost at the Principality Stadium. England suffered a 21-13 loss to Wales as both teams' prepare for the Rugby World Cup that starts next month in Japan.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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