Barnes boots Azzurri

20 Nov 2010

The Wallabies claimed an unconvincing 32-14 win against Italy in Florence after leading 13-9 at the break.

The scoreline flattered the visitors, with Rocky Elsom going over for a try in the last move of the game when the ball popped out the back of an Italian scrum. The Wallabies’ only other try came through Drew Mitchell in the ninth minute of the game after Lachie Turner had been tackled just short of the line.

Recalled centre Berrick Barnes was the difference between the sides, kicking both conversions and six penalties.

Italy’s only try came from replacement loose forward Robert Barbieri in the 72nd minute, although he appeared to knock on when first trying to pick up the ball (the TMO disagreed).

While the Wallabies backs often looked dangerous, it was the same old story for them up front. The hosts won four scrum penalties in the first half, two of which were kicked through the posts.

Italy went into half-time with their heads up, but Barnes slotted three penalties in the third quarter to give the Wallabies a 22-9 lead that they never looked like relinquishing.


7 Comments

  • 1.AiDoc: Reply to this comment
    20 Nov 2010, 16:43 pm

    Wannabee Dragons?

  • 2.AiDoc: Reply to this comment
    20 Nov 2010, 17:02 pm

    Will the Kiwis or the Samoans score a ton first this Autumn?

  • 3.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    21 Nov 2010, 00:03 am

    18 point victories are hardly “unconvincing”.

  • 4.jeest: Reply to this comment
    21 Nov 2010, 02:42 am

    “The scoreline flattered the visitors”

    Seriously did you even watch the game?? – the Wallabies dominated the entire match. They had about 75% of the first half possession.

    the only reason it wasn’t a 40 point margin is because they have no composure – they blew about 12 chances to score.

    I won’t argue with the uncovincing win but to say the scoreline flattered them is ridiculous.

  • 5.RugbyRulz: Reply to this comment
    21 Nov 2010, 04:30 am

    If ever I watched (recorded it) a game that bordered on ridiculous, this was the one. Wallabies butchered so many scoring opportunities. Ugly win but we will take it.

    Go the Wallabies.

  • 6.WOLFMAN21: Reply to this comment
    21 Nov 2010, 04:43 am

    What South Africa would have done for an “ugly” and “unconvincing” win by 18 points.

  • 7.Fatflanker: Reply to this comment
    21 Nov 2010, 05:03 am

    Two English phases for that appalling ref to learn: “roll away, tackler” and ‘not through the gate”. Oz got murdered by that buffoon.

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