For me, this was their finest Six Nations win
The Rugby Paper|March 10, 2024
COULD have beaten England. Should have beaten France, finally did the business against Scotland Italy took the major scalp that this particular group of players needs and the rugby community throughout Italy have craved for so long. Italian rugby is well and truly on the march and that can only be good for the game.
For me, this was their finest Six Nations win

Joyously, there was a 70,000-capacity crowd at the Olympic Stadium to witness what I would rank as Italy's finest ever Championship win and I have reported on all 14 of them including the last time they won in Rome, 11 years ago against Ireland.

Italian rugby fans have made patience into a virtue but now their prayers have been answered and the Stadio Olympico must become a citadel for the national team. It needs to become a bloody difficult place to win for any side under any circumstances.

After cruelly being denied that win over France two weeks ago, expectations were high yesterday and ticket sales went through the roof, and that's before you take into account a 15,000-strong Tartan Army. Italy have respect but no hang-ups over Scotland, they often go very well, and there was something in the air.

Italy had to deliver, at the very least a performance and ideally a win, and at 22-10 down approaching the half hour it wasn't looking promising against a fired-up Scotland who started as if the Sevens season had arrived a month early.

But this Italian team, the class of 24, are proving a resilient bunch and their fitness levels are unrecognisable from tournaments past. They don't fade away and go quietly in the second half anymore. They fight to the bitter end. Even against Ireland in Dublin when they were outclassed they kept the score respectable and their dignity intact.

この記事は The Rugby Paper の March 10, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Rugby Paper の March 10, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE RUGBY PAPERのその他の記事すべて表示
Stade are heading in right direction
The Rugby Paper

Stade are heading in right direction

IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.

time-read
5 分  |
December 01, 2024
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
The Rugby Paper

Borthwick needs to sort out defence

WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.

time-read
3 分  |
December 01, 2024
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
The Rugby Paper

Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge

HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.

time-read
2 分  |
December 01, 2024
All my energy is going into Beziers
The Rugby Paper

All my energy is going into Beziers

IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.

time-read
4 分  |
December 01, 2024
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
The Rugby Paper

Fylde left to count cost of the cards

LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.

time-read
2 分  |
December 01, 2024
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
The Rugby Paper

O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings

EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.

time-read
2 分  |
December 01, 2024
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
The Rugby Paper

It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham

PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.

time-read
2 分  |
December 01, 2024
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
The Rugby Paper

Bristol hit heights to take down champions

BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.

time-read
2 分  |
December 01, 2024
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
The Rugby Paper

Good to see the Eagles soaring again

THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.

time-read
3 分  |
December 01, 2024
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
The Rugby Paper

Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash

FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.

time-read
3 分  |
December 01, 2024