RWC 2011: Wallabies stick to plan and see off Italy

Story and Photo: www.rugbyworldcup.com

AUCKLAND, 11 Sept. - Patience was the key for Australia as they opened their Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign with a 32-6 win over dogged Italy at North Harbour Stadium. 

The teams were tied 6-6 at half-time after Quade Cooper and Mirco Bergamasco kicked two penalties each.

But the Australians tweaked their game plan after the break and ran in four tries through Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, replacement James O'Connor and Digby Ioane. 

"We just had to cut out the errors and be more patient with the ball. I thought we did that in the second half," said Ashley-Cooper.

"We spoke about being more direct with our play, so we had a change in focus and it worked really well for us," said Wallabies scrum half Will Genia. 

The deadlocked scoreline at the interval was a reflection of a match played on a sodden pitch in lashing rain. 

Adjusted well

Despite their pre-match protestations to the contrary, both sides opted to put boot to the ball rather than try to keep it in hands in slippery conditions. 

Cooper was the main outlet for the Australians while Fabio Semenzato regularly fired up box kicks for his wings to run on to. 

"You've got to give Quade credit for the way the team adapted," Australia coach Robbie Deans said. "He drives that. He's an integral part of that.

"They adjusted well and put us on the front foot and Quade mixed up our point of attack really well in the second half."

Australia pressed for long periods of the first half only to see their attacks break down as a result of resolute Italian defence.

But the pressure took its toll on Italy and as the match wore on Cooper found more gaps to exploit in the Azzurri rearguard and play in his teammates. 

Scramble defence

"Obviously for the first half, I'm very happy," Italy coach Nick Mallett said. "Tactically we played very well. Our defence on their rucks and pick and drives was very strong, so we went into half-time with the team very happy.

"Ioane's break down the middle of the field opened us up for the game. The moment they made line breaks our scramble defence and catch-up defence was too slow."

The much-predicted Italian forwards dominance failed to materialise until late on in the match. Even when Italy did win penalties for Australian infringements, they were not in areas in which they could hurt Australia on the scoreboard.

In fact, it was Wallabies tighthead Alexander who had the biggest impact of any prop on the match, crashing over from close range for the first try of the match.

With a bonus point for scoring four tries, the result sets Australia up well for their next match in Pool C, against Ireland in Auckland on 17 September.

"Getting that result was key," Deans said. "Italy are a sticky side. They give every side grief, particularly in defence.

"Critically, we got in behind them. They're a tough defensive team and getting in behind their line is everything."