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Scotland Women beaten by Italy to fall to bottom of Six Nations standings
By PA
Scotland slipped to the bottom of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations standings with a 20-13 defeat to Italy in Parma.
Both sides were winless after three rounds of action, and an attritional opening in torrential rain saw Helen Nelson and Michela Sillari exchange penalties.
Scotland pressed as the half drew to a close and Emma Wassell stepped inside the defensive cover for a try which Nelson converted.
Italy levelled the scores in similar fashion five minutes after the restart.
Melissa Bettoni, who had scored Italy’s only previous try in the tournament, benefited from a strong forward drive to puncture Scotland’s scrambling defence.
Sillari converted and then booted Italy ahead with a penalty from 30 metres.
Italy had breathing space when Silvia Turani powered over from close range after 71 minutes and Sillari added the extras.
Nelson landed a penalty three minutes from time to put Scotland within one score of a draw, but Italy held on to leapfrog their visitors into fifth place.
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Latest Comments
The winner breaks into the (key) top 6 in the World rankings and locks the other out (Australia will lead Scot by 1.6 points if they win). Australia won't get a chance to improve until next years RC so this match is vital. Scotland must hold the line for their part.
Australia are obviously well capable of beating Ireland but with accumulating fatigue becoming a factor I expect an all out performance from Australia tomorrow with Ireland viewed as a bonus.
It will be hopefully a cracker but this is the type of match that Scotland must start winning to take that step up that they crave.
Go to commentsAgree.
Ireland are off their feet at the majority of their attacking rucks. Its so common that commentators don't even notice it. We hear about "clear outs" and "clean outs", which don't exist in the Laws (the correct word is "binding"), and the obligation to "endeavour to stay on your feet" is nowhere to be seen.
Ireland is not the only team to adopt this coached flopping and diving at attacking rucks, but its clearly part of their quick ruck ball strategy.
No need for law changes here. We just need refs to award penalties when players don't endeavour to stay on their feet.
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