Rugby, Women’s Six Nations: Italy defeated by Scotland. Direct qualification for the World Cup at risk

Italy surrenders to Scotland (7-17) in the fourth round of the women’s Six Nations: an unexpected but fair defeat, at the end of a harsh match in which the Italians’ creativity was stifled by the aggression of the guests. At this point Raineri’s girls are forced to win in Wales and at the same time hope for a success for Ireland – just overwhelmed (88-10) by England – over the Highlanders: the objective is to win that final third place in the tournament which would allow direct access to the next World Cup. In a packed and enthusiastic Lanfranchi stadium, the Italians gave the impression of having more quality than their opponents, but they were unable to free themselves from the defensive grip of the Scots, who in the second half – with 2 tries in less than 5 minutes – turned the tables the result.

Alyssa D’Incà’s goal is not enough

After a very long study phase, in which Italy had never managed to really gain the upper hand, on the half hour mark D’Incà’s goal – converted by Rigoni – seemed to have finally freed the Italians. Skeldon’s immediate reply, however, sounded like a bad signal. In the second half the Italians lost energy and enthusiasm, thanks to some questionable choices in the direction of play, and Scotland surgically scored with Orr and Ollie. The proud return at the end only resulted in a free kick from Rigoni which however gave a defensive bonus point.

Italy-Scotland 10-17 (7-7)

Markers: 32nd pt goal for D’Inca vs Rigoni (7-0), 34th goal for Skeldon vs Nelson (7-7); 64′ goal by Orr (7-12), 69′ goal by Rollie (7-17), 73′ cp Rigoni (10-17)

Italia: Ostuni Minuzzi; Muzzo, D’Incà, Rigoni, Granzotto; Madia (79′ Capomaggi), Stefan; Giordano (cap) (57′ Fedrighi), Sgorbini (70′ Locatelli), Arrighetti; Duke, Tounesi; Seye (70′ Gai), Vecchini (74′ Gurioli), Turani (57′ Maris).

Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson, Mattinson (59’ McDonald); Gallagher, Stewart (62’ McLachlan), Malcolm (cap); McMillan, Donaldson (70’ McIntosh); Belisle (52’ Clarke), Skeldon (75’ Martin), Wright (52’ Bartlett).

Referee: Cogger-Orr (NZRU)

Note: 79′ yellow for Rollie (Scotland); kicks: Rigoni (Italy) 2/2, Nelson (Scotland) 1/3

Victories for Treviso and the Italian U19 against the Welsh

However, good news arrives from the boys of Benetton Treviso, who in the Union Rugby Championship defeated the Welsh Dragons 36 to 19 in Monigo: 6 tries (to 3) for the green and whites with Smith, Lucchesi, Uren, Ratave, Iachizzi and Lamaro, 5 points earned in the standings. In Viareggio, the Italian U19 made a good statement against Wales of the same age, beaten 46 to 36.