Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Australia Rugby
Australia sprang into life in the second-half to record a comfortable bonus-point win over Italy in their World Cup opener.A four-try blitz, in a 17 minute spell after the break, proved the Italians undoing as the Wallabies put down a statement of intent.
The Azzurri started well and were rewarded via the boot of Mirco Bergamasco but Australia finally found their feet in a purple patch as Ben Alexander bundled over for a 49th-minute try.
That opened the floodgates as Adam Ashley-Cooper and James O'Connor crossed in quick succession.
The bonus point was bagged as replacement Luke Burgess and Ashley-Cooper combined to send Digby Ioane racing over for another converted score.
Italy's woes were compounded when prop Martin Castrogiovanni limped off near the end with an apparent groin injury.
Australia coach Robbie Deans said: "We did well in the second half.
"We probably did well in the first half too, although it was not shown on the scoreboard.
"We knew the challenge we faced. We have a lot of respect for the Italians, they defend well and will cause sides problems."
Italy coach Nick Mallett admitted his side had no answer to Australia's pace and power in that nightmare period that turned the game on its head.
He said: "When they do get on the quick front they are a very difficult side to defend against.
"We had a couple of opportunities in the second half particularly from a push-over try when the ball wasn't controlled at the back of the scrum, but all in all I'm pretty happy."
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