Italy – Australia: unexpected blow in Florence, on a Saturday dedicated to rugby

The November international window is well on its way and ahead of the Pumas’ game against Wales in Cardiff, there was plenty of action in Europe. Italy has given the big blow and scored their second victory against a former Tri Nations rival: in 2016 they had already overcome a defeated South Africa who would close the cycle Allister Coetzee the following year, and this Saturday they beat Australia.

Today’s victory of the Azzurri against the Wallabies 28-27 was not accidental. He struggled at every match point, was superior in fixed lineups and when he dared to play, he hurt his rival. Also, he has a jewel, which gives him the differential factor in attack: Ange Capuozzo billed twice and was one of the great protagonists of Florence, at the Fiorentina stadium. At 76kg, slim legs and electrifying speed, he’s already a reality in European rugby.

He made his 6 Nations debut this year with two tries against Scotland and made a brilliant run on the last play the following week, conceding the try to Edoardo Padovani to defeat Wales and break a run of 36 consecutive falls in the rugby tournament oldest on the planet. It is one of the faces of renewal of an Italy trying to change course, after more than a decade of negative results and progress. With some great youth work already starting to pay off, they will be looking to position themselves above Scotland and Wales in the not too distant future.

The success against the Wallabies had two nationalized Argentines: Ignacio Brexwith a strong performance in the center of the field, and Ivan Nemer, left pillar which has entered the second phase. It was the first win in 19 games against the Australians, who are having a year to forget: they lost the series against England, the Bledisloe Cup again against the All Blacks and suffered their worst defeat in history against the Pumas.

After a narrow victory against Scotland and a minimal defeat against France they received another blow, who was able to change course on the last play of the match, with youngster Ben Donaldson missing Cadeyrn Neville’s try conversion. The visitor retained some figures of the stature of Michael Hooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini and James Slipper, and ended up suffering against an opponent who, while winning, missed all of his chances and squandered 14 points with his foot.

England had no problems beat Japan 52-13 in one of the clashes between two teams that will be rivals in France 2023, in the Argentinian group. If there were any doubts at home, La Rosa squandered them in the first half with a performance of pure strength after last Sunday’s defeat against the Pumas. Freddie Steward, one of the most even players of all of 2022, opened the scoring and completed a great performance. The Asian national team is still unknown: a bold team, capable of moving the ball and playing on equal terms with the All Blacks, like two weeks ago, or capable of showing the off-color version like today, with many defensive mismatches.

Chile, also a rival of the Pumas at the World Cup, fell 39-10 to Tonga. They need that international flair ahead of their first World Cup and after their defeat to Romania last weekend, they were away from the islanders. Next Friday they will face Leinster, the strongest club in Ireland. Samoa, the other that makes up the Argentina group in France 2023, achieved a good victory away against Georgia. With many players playing in the Premiership and Top 14, they will be looking to consolidate a foundation to be competitive, even if they are far from Tier 1 picks.

Ireland had no trouble beating Fiji 35-17. While retaining several of their numbers, the world’s No. 1 ranked rugby team successfully defeated an unruly rival, who suffered two yellow and one red cards.

At 17, France will receive South Africa as its main course on Saturday. The local racks up an 11-game winning streak and only needs to defeat the latest world champion to obliterate all powerhouses in that streak. Less than a year after receiving the World Cup, Les Blues will be looking to take another step to confirm that they are a serious candidate to win the World Cup. Scotland host the All Blacks in Edinburgh tomorrow at the end of the international weekend.