Rugby Mad Blog

Six Nations Game 1 – England vs Italy (36-11)

The Six Nations has rolled around again, and every England fan was hoping for an improvement over their lacklustre Autumn performances. When Andy Goode [left] scored a try within 95 seconds of kickoff, we were thinking it might come true. But the euphoria was short lived.

To be honest, most people were more interested in the shocking performance of the hapless Mauro Bergamasco, a Flanker playing Scrum Half. Itatian coach Nick Mallett might have had his hands forced by injury nightmares, but within the first few minutes, it was obvious to everyone that he was far from competant at No. 9.

Another Bergamasco error saw him sucked into a ruck, missing the ball as it popped up for James Haskell to flick a pass towards Harry Ellis [right], who took full advantage and sprinted 20m to cross the line with a slide, evading Italian defenders.

Minutes later the Italian’s day went from bad to nightmare when he botched a pass to Gonzalo Garcia, enabling Andy Goode to gather, kick ahead and the move was finished off by Riki Flutey [left].

That left England going in at the break 22-6 up.

Thankfully, Mallett put us all out of our misery an brought on his 5th choice Scrum Half  Giulio Toniolatt for his second cap in the second half. He was certainly an improvement!

There were three more tries in the second period – a second for Man-Of-The-Match Ellis, a consolation try for Miro Bergamasco (at least one brother did something right), and a welcome return to the scoreboard (and team) for Winger Mark Cueto [right].

The final result was a rather flattering 36-11. There will be plenty for Martin Johnson to work on during the coming seven days. I can hardly see the Welsh quaking in their boots for next week’s clash at the Millennium Stadium. But one or two England fans might be.

The rain lashed down in St Etienne, so it was never going to be a wide, expansive game. Kicking and a forward grunt were on the cards – not pretty, but effective in those conditions.

The Scots got the early advantage when Italy gave away two penalties – Chris Patterson’s metronomic boot punishing the Italians all evening. The Azzurri didn’t do themselves any favours when Mauro Bergamasco, Italy’s Openside, was sent to the bin for preventing a try. Scotland went for the lineout, but Sergio Parisse bundled them into touch.

A few minutes later, the Italians made up for their man disadvantage from a scrum; the ball worked upfield via a huge kick from Ramiro Pez, a ruck formed on the line and Captain Alessandro Troncon [right] snuck over the line for a converted try. The points fired up the Azzurri, who forced a long range penalty which was wonderfully struck by David Bortolussi to take them 6-10 up.

Rory Lamont [left] had a nasty clash with Andrea Masi, but they both recovered after some medical attention. However, Lamont was substituted by Hugo Southwell a few minutes later. The next two chances for points fell to the Italians, but they were unable to make them count. First, Ramiro Pez missed a drop goal, which went wide. A few minutes later, Bortolussi missed a penalty from just inside the halfway line.

Scotland’s control of the game was not going to plan, although Dan Parks [right] had put in some immense kicks for territory. At 31minutes, he was felled by a high tackle from Troncon, and Paterson slotted the penaltyy from 40m out. So Scotland were only trailing by one point. Three minutes later, Paterson did it again, to take a 12-10 lead. The Scots in the crowd went wild. Just before the break, Parks missed a long range drop goal, but Scotland were still able to go into the dressing room with the psychological advantage.

Italy came out in the second half looking the more determined. Bortolussi had a chance at a penalty from out wide in the 43rd minute – it was good for accuracy but just fell short. The Scottish lineout was functioning well, with Jim Hamilton taking securely and disrupting the Azzurri from time to time. The Scots won another penalty in the Italian half, which Chris Paterson could have kicked in his sleep, to take them 15-10 up. The Italians indiscipline continued to trouble them, and Paterson added yet another penalty in the 53rd minute to keep his kicking record at 100% – not just for this game, but for the whole tournament.

Then Nathan Hines was binned for taking out an Italian with a high tackle. David Bortolussi clawed back another three point from the deficit to take the score to 18-13. Saracens’ Fabio Ongaro [right] came on for the Azzurri at 54, in place of Carlo Festuccia. He made an immediate impact at the set piece and in the loose. Pez’s kicking was also improving, and Italy began to dominate. At 61 minutes, the Scots collapsed a maul, and Bortolussi took the points from out wide.

The last twenty-odd minutes saw plenty of endeavour from both sides, but no more points. The scoreboard stuck at 18-16 to Scotland. Italy had an opportunity at goal in the 77th minute, after the Scots came in from the side of a ruck. Crucially, Bortolussi was unable to take the points – something that coach Pierre Berbizier will no doubt rue for a long time.

So the Scots make it through to the quarterfinals, to face either Ireland or Argentina, neither of whom will be a pushover.

Six Nations Game 11 - Italy vs Wales (23-20)

Wales won possession at the kickoff, but the boot of Ramiro Pez put them back in their own half pretty quickly. They needed to have a good game, having plaid three and lost all three.

Italy made the first break and went over the line, but the ball was thrown forward at the last pass. It would have been a dream for Pratichetti, making his first start for the Azzurri.

Wales wobbled at the early scrums. The Italian pack were lighter, but they can scrum a lot of folks into the ground. After eight minutes, Pez was given the opportunity to kick for three points, but at over 55m it fell slightly short. Wales infringed again a few minutes later, and Pez had an easier kick for goal, and the aim was true. First points to Italy, 3-0.

Alessandro Troncon [right] was making his 93rd appearance for the Azzurri, a gnarled old Italian warrior.

Wales had a chance after thirteen minutes, Mirco Bergamasco just landing on the ball over the line ahead of a Welsh jersey. A Welsh scrum on the Italian 22 came to naught when they were found crossing. Pez punted the free kick well into the Welsh half for an attacking lineout.

In the first quarter, Italy certainly looked the brighter prospect – and spent more time in Wales’ half. When the Reds infringed again, Pez took another three points, making them 6-0 up.

Gonzalo Canale took a bit hit to the leg and went off shortly afterwards. A replacement came on in the pack an Mauro Bergamasco went to cover the midfield duties.

Italy were pushing the Welsh pack backwards at the scrum, but Wales eventually won some ball. James Hook made a lovelykick ahead which was gathered by Tom Shanklin who offloaded to Shane Williams [left], and the flyer was off. Stephen Jones added the extras to take a narrow lead, 6-7. Jones was the recipient of a flying punch a few minutes later, and went off to be stitched up. Mauro Bergamasco was the offender.

After half an hour, Wales brought down an Italian scrum, and the penalty kick gave the Azzurri good field position to attack the Welsh. The made scappy progress but still retained possession. They were turned ovcer just in front of the posts, then Italy turned Wales over, but gave away a penalty shortly after.

Wales snaffled a scrum five minutes before half time, and went for a break. Hook made some good ground, but the support was lacking. Italy turned them over and a kick behind left Kaine Roberston [left] to run against Ian Gough – the No. 14 gathered a kind bounce and made it over the line. Pez then did the honours, giving them a 13-7 lead just before the break.

Wales started brightly in the second half, first with a penalty from James Hook, then Matthew Rees, the Welsh Hooker, sneaking over next to the posts. Hook converted, and Wales took the lead, 13-17.

Then at 50 minutes, Wales infringed and Italy kicked for the corner. A catch and drive was on, and the Italian forwards rumbled towards the line. However, Italy were caught accidentally offside, and Italy tried their utmost to disrupt the resulting Welsh scrum. The Reds weren’t put off, and won a lineout shortly after. Then the Azzurri gave away a penalty, Hook did the honours, taking them seven points clear, 13-20.

All of a sudden, the Blues were all over the Welsh line, and the forwards kept pushing, inch by inch. Meanwhile, the Azzurri backs were yelling for the ball, and Wales desperately tried to defend. The ball went to ground, but Italy won the scrum at 5m. It had to be reset, and it came out and they threw it wide to the backs. Still the Welsh defended, Italy creeping closer again. Italy were accidentally offside again, and the impetus was lost.

Wales had the put in at the scrum on 5m, but the Italians kept pushing. The clearance kick went down into blue hands. Italy were still in the Welsh half, when Ryan Jones gave away a penalty. Pez kicked for the corner, giving them a 10m lineout.

However, they were going backwards, and Wales got a lineout in the Italian half. Hook sliced through the midfield, but weren’t able to pass to the attacking men.

The last fifteen minutes were pretty scrappy. but it was mainly Italy in the Welsh half. Then, once the boot was on the other foot, Wales made a forward pass. During time out, there were bodies all over the place. It certainly looked like a hard-faught battle.

With ten minutes to go, Italy stole a lineout. There were several phases until Wales gave a penalty in front of the posts. Pez opted to kick the points, and his aim was good. Italy 16-20.

Italy won possession from the restart, but then Wales knocked it into touch. The Italian’s possession was disrupted just over the half way line, and they were awarded a penalty. This time, they opted for the corner with five minutes to go.

The Azzurri’s lineout was solid, and the forwards went driving with a massive push. They were stopped 3m short. Then 2m. The red line was straining not be be breached. Still the Italains drove on. Then Troncon spun it out wide, a chip ahead and Mauro Bergamasco grounded the ball just under the posts. Pez added another two, and the Stadio Flaminio went mental. Italy 23-20 with three minutes to go.

Wales kept possession from the restart, and pushed into the Italian half. Then the Welsh won a penalty. Massive decision with 10 seconds left! It was punted into the corner, but there was some messing about, and Chris White blew up for full time. Cue pandemonium – from the Italian supporters celebrating their win, and from the Welsh players, feeling they were robbed of the opportunity to pull ahead.

My heart was pounding – and I’m an independent observer! Well done to the Azzurri for their first back to back win.

Or read my ten word review.

Six Nations Game 7 – Scotland vs Italy (17-37)

Twenty seconds and the Italians were off! Godman’s chip was intercepted by Mauro Bergamasco who slid in under the posts and Scanavacca converted. All of a sudden, the Scots were stunned and on the back foot. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Cusiter’s pass was intercepted by Scanavacca and he put it under the posts too! The Azzuri were 14 points up after only five minutes. Then it got worse! Another wayward pass and another intercept – clinically finished off by Kaine Robertson [right]. The boot added the extras and then it was 0-21 to Italy.

Not the sort of start that Lock Scott Murray would want for his record-equalling 82nd cap, to tie with Gregor Townsend. And not the sort of start the Murrayfield crowd were expecting – boos rang around.

A chink of light for the Scots on 12 minutes – Rob Dewey managing to get over the line and Paterson’s boot gaining the extra two points. Then they were only two tries down.

Italy were pushing the Scottish defence again, and were five yards out, when Simon Taylor appeared to foul Roland de Marigny and Taylor was off to the bin for ten. Despite the disparity, Scotland made a concerted effort at attacking the Azzurri’s line. But the blues kept pushing them backwards, no matter what they did.

Italy got themselves offside and Scotland decided to kick for the corner. Having won the lineout, Dougie Hall was pushed into touch just short of the line. Another lineout ended with Scottish hands losing the ball forward, so it was an Italy scrum with only seven Scots to push back. The scrum collapsed and Italy had a penalty. They kicked the points to make it 7-24.

They pushed the ball into the Scottish half, then won their lineout and mauled a good few yards up the pitch. Ultimately coming to nothing. The Scots begin to settle down and survive Taylor’s ten in the bin without condeding any more points.

Just after the half hour, Scotland appeared to be making more moves and progress up the pitch. But a knock forward gave Italy a scrum. The Scottish lineout seemed to be one of the few parts of the game which worked ok, but they didn’t get very far with the subsequent drives. They just couldn’t seem to make any headway, despite attacking the Azzurri’s line. For the final play of the half, Paterson decides to kick a penalty (at long last) rather than trying for more points via the corner. So they went in 10-24.

Scotland kicked off the second half to the strains of Loch Lomond from the crowd. Hadden must have had stern words in the changing room at half time.

A botched Scottish lineout gave Italy some possession, but they lost it forward. The ball changed hands several times from the scrum, eventually, Scotland took a quick penalty and ran the ball – but Phil Godman‘s pass to Hugo Southwell was slightly forward.

Euan Murray [left] was taken off for a blood injury for a few minutes, but came back on fairly quickly. He kept having the nose dabbed in subsequent breaks.

Frank Hadden made wholesale changes from the bench with thirty minutes to go, but it was the Azzurri who still seemed to be making the headway. Then Italy lost the ball, Ally Hogg kicked half way down the pitch and Sean Lamont [right] won the chase, but it was pushed into touch. Several phases later and Lamont got them to within five meters of the line. Italy infringed, and Paterson chose to go for the corner instead of the three points.

Their attack always seemed to fall back at the last minute. The Scottish backs had another opportunity from lineouts, but squandered it. They Scots did manage to steal an Italian lineout in their half, but further phases and Nathan Hines knocked on.

Italian coach Pierre Berbizier brought on his front row replacements with just over twenty minutes to go, including Saracen Fabio Ongaro [left].

A minute later, Cusiter offloaded from the back of a scrum and Chris Paterson saw a gap. He was off. And converted his own score. Scotland had a lifeline and the score was a more respectable 17-24. The restart wasn’t taken by anyone, and then Italy won a lineout close to the Scottish line. The Scots were forced to defend and Troncon lost it forward at the back of a ruck, 3m off the line.

The subsequent scrum was a mess for Scotland, and it was Italy’s feed 3m out again. Scotland went to ground at the next scrum and Scanavacca kicked the penalty to go 17-27. With barely fifteen minutes to go, Scotland needed to do something special, and they promptly messed up the restart catch and it went into touch.

Italy’s lineout deep in Scotland’s territory was won, and then Troncon steered his forwards for a trundling maul. Scotland brought it down, winning another penalty, but it was reversed when an Italian was seen using the boot on the ground. No points gained though, and soon after, the Scots gave away another penalty at a ruck. This time, it was kickable and Scanavacca duely punted it over for 17-30.

After the restart, the Italian forwards went on a decent drive, Roberston’s kick ahead just went into touch, but the Scottish lineout was won messily again. A few phases later, and Italy were attacking the Scots’ tryline again. Wave after wave, and it was up to the video ref to agree that Alessandro Troncon [right] had scored. Duely converted by Scanavacca, the hearts of the Scottish fans were heavy and the Italians were singing in the stands. He was well-deserved Man of the Match too.

For the last three minutes, Scotland tried the damnedest to break the Italian defence, and got up to the 5m line. They won a penalty close in, and Scotland batt
ered the defence again – 1m short of the line. Blue shirts were all over them. Eventually, they were bundled into touch, Italy won their lineout and the countdown was on. Quite why Italy replaced Scanavacca with 4 seconds left on the clock is anybody’s guess. Perhaps he was the only one left on the bench! Scotland tried to get a consolation score in the dying moments, but it was knocked forward and the Italians went wild at the final 17-37 score.

So, a momentous first away victory for the Azzurri, and well deserved it was too. I’m really pleased for them, they seem to have been the tournament’s whipping boys for so long, but it’s great to see them finally getting some reward for their hard work and commitment. Must be a hard day to be a Scotland supporter, though.

Or read my ten word review.