IRB Video: Highlights of the 11th Place play-off between Italy U20 and Canada U20
The win was a repeat of Italy’s triumph over the Canadians in the Division B final at the IRB U 19 World Championship in Belfast last year.
Both sides came into Sunday’s match on the back of narrow extra-time defeats – Italy losing to Ireland and Canada being beaten by Scotland – so both were determined to see out the competition on a winning note.
Italy started strongly, making some tough yards up front and fullback Andrea Pratichetti breaking dangerously out wide.
Fly half Riccardo Bocchino gave Italy a well-earned early lead with a penalty as Canada was forced to rely on skipper Nathan Hirayama to relieve the pressure with some touch-finding clearing kicks.
Italy turned their pressure into further points when first Bocchino added another long-range penalty and then wing Andrea Bacchetti showed blistering pace coming in off his wing to race through the Canadian defence and score the first try of the game.
Another two penalties from Bocchino put Italy firmly in control.
For Canada, fullback Harry Jones had some decent runs but Italy took a comfortable 17-0 lead into the break.
Canada finally opened their account with a penalty from replacement Peter Jawl at the start of the second half but Italy hit back with a well-taken try by second row Alberto Cazzola following a storming run from prop and man of the match Massimiliano Ravalle.
Canada did not lack endeavour but handling errors let them down at crucial times. Their never-say-die attitude paid off, however, when they worked their way patiently upfield to set up a wide thrust for replacement Conor Trainor to dive over.
Italy regained control with a Bocchino penalty and they closed out the game in impressive fashion with hooker Tommaso D’Apice running in another try.
Italy Coach Gianluca Guidi on his side’s victory: “It was hard to prepare for this game because we lost against Ireland in our last game and we had to stay very focused. We had a professional mentality and it ended a good season for us. These guys are a big element of our future in Italy and I think that they work very hard as players.”
Italy Fly Half Riccardo Bocchino added: “It was a very good game. In the first half we had the wind so it was a little bit easier for us. We played well and scored points and in the second half it was harder against a strong wind so we took possession of the ball and held onto it. This has been a good experience because we have grown and we are a very strong team and very united.”
Canada Coach Tim Murdy spoke after his side’s loss: “The Italians played very well and they took advantage of the conditions and they built up a good score and came out and did a good job in the second half as well. The players will take a lot of lessons home with them and they will see that that they are capable of being competitive with the top 16 teams in the world. There is a gap with the top teams but our boys can be proud.”
Canada captain Nathan Hirayama said: “We are very disappointed. We didn’t come out in the first half and it wasn’t good enough. We have learned a lot in this tournament and we are growing as a team. We possibly could have used a few more warm-up games but we have enjoyed being here. It was a very well run event and a great experience.”
