Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Internationals, Ireland Rugby
Italy will definitely need the five days' break before the pool decider against Ireland in order to rest and recuperate, after the USA gave them an intense physical battle before going down 27-10.Assuming Australia beat Russia, the winner of Ireland v Italy next week will join the Wallabies in the quarter finals. And on the evidence of the USA game, Italy will provide a stern challenge to Declan Kidney's men.
Italy were three tries to the good by half time after captain Sergio Parisse, Luciano Orquera and Martin Castrogiovanni all crossed over. But they also conceded a soft try to the USA as Chris Wyles was allowed to beat the Italian defence on 17 minutes.
And their first try had a touch of fortune about it as well, as the pass to Parisse looked clearly forward.
Italy were subjected to an intense spell of pressure from Eddie O'Sullivan's team after the break, but neither side were able to make any headway. And in a five-minute period where eight scrums were called five yards from the USA line, the Azzurri pack was unable to bulldoze past the Americans - while the latter were guilty of a string of infringements.
Louis Stanfill eventually fell victim to his pack's repeated offences and was handed a yellow card. And Italy were at last given the benefit of the doubt on 67 minutes when referee George Clancy awarded a penalty try, giving them the bonus point.
Nick Mallett was particularly impressed with his front row, with Castrogiovanni the standout player for his side. And although many fans would expect Ireland to give them a far greater challenge in the pack than the Americans, Mallett said: "We have a better front-row than Ireland and we are hoping to prove that on Saturday."
Parisse added: "We are happy because we got the bonus point and now we must rest for five days because it will be a very tough game against Ireland."
In Pool A Canada and Japan drew 23-23 in the Cherry Blossoms' final match, meaning they finish bottom of the table. Canada scored three tries to Japan's two and are favourites to take third spot in the pool, which guarantees qualification for the 2015 World Cup.
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