Rugby World Cup 2023 | Match Centre | Italy 38:17 Uruguay

September 20, 2023
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Rugby World Cup

In a thrilling encounter in Nice, Italy staged a dramatic second-half resurgence to secure a remarkable victory over Uruguay, propelling them to the summit of Pool A in the Rugby World Cup. Lorenzo Pani ignited Italy’s offensive charge with a crucial try, but it was Uruguay who capitalized on two Italian yellow cards to establish a 17-7 advantage at halftime.

The pendulum of momentum swung decisively in Italy’s favor when Uruguay’s captain, Andres Vilaseca, was dispatched to the sin bin. Seizing this opportunity, Italy embarked on a blistering offensive onslaught, notching three quick scores to clinch a bonus point. The heroes of this dramatic turnaround included Michele Lamaro, Monty Ioane, Lorenzo Cannone, and Juan Ignacio Brex, all of whom contributed with vital tries.

Italy and the tournament’s hosts, France, now boast flawless records with two wins each within the group. However, Italy currently leads the pack due to the two bonus points garnered from their earlier matches. The French team is set to face off against the underdogs from Namibia in their third pool game on Thursday, while Italy is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash against New Zealand, who currently occupy the third position in the group. This showdown is scheduled for September 29, promising an exhilarating spectacle for rugby enthusiasts worldwide.

Uruguay had pinned high hopes on this encounter, considering it a pivotal opportunity to secure a top-three finish in Pool A, thus guaranteeing automatic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Their commendable performance in the opening match against France showcased their potential. In the first half of this electrifying contest, Uruguay demonstrated their prowess by earning a penalty try. This crucial score was a result of their rolling maul, which was unlawfully halted, leveling the scoreboard at 7-7.

However, this pivotal moment also saw Italy’s Danilo Fischetti, a prominent prop, joining the second-row Niccolo Cannone in the sin bin. Uruguay seized the numerical advantage and capitalized with another try, this time courtesy of wing Nicolas Freitas in the corner. As halftime approached, Felipe Etcheverry added a drop-goal to Uruguay’s tally, extending their lead to a formidable 10 points.

But as the second half unfolded, a resurgent Italy emerged, hungry for redemption. Despite their consistent presence in the Rugby World Cup’s history, Italy has never advanced to the knockout phase. However, their determined performance after halftime showcased their ambition to rewrite their history. Italy executed a flawless game plan, overpowering their opponents and scoring an astonishing 31 unanswered points.

The Italians’ aspirations now hinge on the outcomes of their upcoming matches against the formidable All Blacks and France. Their highly anticipated clash with France in Lyon on October 6 promises to be a defining moment in their campaign, as they seek to break new ground and secure a coveted spot in the knockout stage.

In summary, Italy’s remarkable comeback against Uruguay has propelled them to the top of Pool A in the Rugby World Cup, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown with New Zealand and France in the quest for knockout stage qualification.

Match Summary

Pool A | Italy 38:17 Uruguay

Italy Scores:

TRIES Lorenzo Pani (7′), Michele Lamaro (46′), Montanna Ioane (52′), Lorenzo Cannone (56′), Juan Ignacio Brex (61′)
CONV Tommaso Allan (8′, 47′, 53′, 57′, 62′)
PENS Paolo Garbisi (70′)