Italrugby’s Pacific tour gets off to a bad start

Italy defeated 33-25 by Samoa

The Pacific tour that will engage the Italian national rugby team until next July 21 begins with a defeat: in Apia, capital of the Samoa Islands, Italy was defeated 33-25 by the Samoan XV at the end of a match in which the Azzurri actually seemed in control, at least until 25 minutes from the end.

Indeed, after overcoming a start that was a bit too soft, with Samoa able to score as early as 8'8' with Taramai (goal converted by Leuila), Italy seemed to take the match in hand: In fact, between 13' and 20' came a winning penalty by Paolo Garbisi, a goal by Monty Ioane that was not converted and another by Louis Lynagh to which were added, in this case, the two additional points by Garbisi for 15-7 in favor of the Azzurri.

In the final minutes of the first half Samoa got closer with a goal by Ah Wong, which was answered a few minutes later by Garbisi again from a stoppage time, making it 18-12 Italy at halftime. At the beginning of the second half, Leuila shortened the distance with the square of -3, but taking advantage of an opponent mistake the Azzurri were able to score again with Paolo Garbisi, author of the goal and the 15-18 transformation.

From there on, however, the Azzurri got lost in a few too many mistakes, especially in lineouts, effectively giving a partial 18-0 to the opponents, who scored with two free kicks by Leuila and as many goals, one by Toala (transformed again by Leuila) and another by Moleli, which effectively closed the match at 77' on 33-25.

The defeat will have its weight in terms of ranking, as Samoa is currently 14th (while Italy is 8th): in order not to lose further ground, the Azzurri will have to impose themselves in the next two Test matches, scheduled for Friday, July 12 in Nuku'Alofa against Tonga and Sunday, July 21 against Japan.