Italy produce second-half fightback to beat Uruguay
Italy produced a stirring second-half fightback to beat Uruguay 38-17 and avoid a shock World Cup defeat at Stade de Nice.
In only the second-ever meeting between the sides, Uruguay stunned their Pool A rivals before the break to lead 17-7 as Italy finished the first half with 13 men.
But Italy turned the screw in the second period with prop Danilo Fischetti and second row Niccolo Cannone both back on the field after yellow cards and powered into the ascendancy with four converted tries.
Uruguay, who gave France a stern test in a 27-12 defeat in Lille six days ago, conceded an early converted try. Italy’s Lorenzo Pani barged over and a TMO review confirmed the winger had grounded the ball.
Italy’s Fischetti was yellow carded for handling in a ruck and the South Americans grew in stature to draw level soon after.
They were held up under the posts, but Australian referee Angus Gardner awarded them a penalty try and showed Italy a second yellow card as Cannone was penalised for his deliberate infringement at the breakdown.
Winger Nicolas Freitas then went over for Uruguay’s second try, this time in the corner, which Felipe Etcheverry converted before the fly-half landed a drop goal to extend his side’s lead just before the interval.
After Uruguay captain Andres Vilaseca was sin-binned early in the second period, Italy stormed back, running in four tries in the space of 15 minutes.
Skipper Michele Lamaro, winger Monty Ioane, Cannone and centre Ignacio Brex all went over for converted tries as Italy opened up a 35-17 lead to take the game away from Uruguay before Paolo Garbisi landed a late penalty.
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Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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