Six Nations - Rome, 14 March 2009, 16:00 local, 15:00 GMT
Italy (9) 15 - 20 (7) Wales (FT)

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Summary

Time Score  
 

Both anthems sung with great passion, especially by the Italian crowd. Irishman Alan Lewis is the ref. Wales to kick off.

1

Ball down centre. Italy drive it on and clear to touch - fantastic clearance to just inside the Welsh half.

2

Italy nick the Welsh throw and attack down the centre - kick - mark called. A kicking duel ensues. Shane Williams counters but is stopped well - knock on.

3

Italy go blind after scrum and make huge ground - good attack.

4

Parisse gave an inside ball to create that good Azzurri attack. Scrum on the Welsh 22 down the centre. Wales need to be on their metal as the Italians have started well.

5 3 - 0

Italy put the Welsh under real pressure in the scrum and get a penalty. Andrea Marcato the full back puts the ball through the posts to take the lead.

6

Wales get the restart and attack down the left, but good defence and the home side gets another penalty for crossing. Ball to touch down the Italian right near half way.

7

Knock on by Wales at the lineout. Italy win their scrum and put it high.

8

Italy put in a grubber and Welsh Lee Byrne puts in a great kick down the line but Italy mess up and the ball is in to touch.

9

Wales chip from the throw and Italy get the mark. Cleared long and Wales counter.

10

James Hook kicks long and Italy put it back to touch.

11

Italy are very up for this match while Wales haven't really got in to the match so far.

12

Italy get another penalty and kick to touch. They win their throw and go left, again good detremination by Italy - chip ahead and Italy get another penalty.

13

Kickable - but hard - so they are going for the throw to a huge roar from the crowd. But ball knocked on at the lineout. Welsh scrum 7 metres from their try line.

14

Italy again get stuck in to Wales at the scrum and nick the ball - but Wales get it back and kick long - Marcato gathers and tries a drop ball but wide from far out.

15

Again it is the Italian crowd that is making the noise as their team again take it to the Welsh

16

Italy kick high but too long and the Welsh full back calls a mark - tap and go and the Welsh are in trouble - but they gat a penalty.

17

Italy attack down the right and again chip behind the Welsh defence - hack on - too far - drop out.

18

Wales get a penalty - Shane Williams tap and go - hook makes a nice break nearly through but he knock on trying to get the ball to Henson.

19

But they get a penaly and it is very kickable. Fly half Hook lines the ball up - but misses - poor kick.

20

Wales really aren't in this game yet.

21

Long drop out goes to touch. Wales win their throw and kick - Italy gather and drive it on.

22

Italy have done the basics well, but you can see them getting more confident.

23

Italy are kicking alot with little grubbers and chips. They win their throw on the half way line. Kick - Wales kick back and Italy knock on.

24

Scrum midway in the Italian half down their right. Wales are not playing with passion - perhaps the Welsh are thinking the Italians will fade in the second half - it doesn't look like that at the moment.

25

Again the Italians do well at the scrum forcing the Welsh back. Ball right - recycling - going blind - quickly left.

26 3 - 5

Wales deep in the italian 22 - big attack by Wales - their first. Slow ball.

27 3 - 7

TRY Ball left - good ball by Henson and Shane Williams darts inside and scores.

28

Hook converts.

29

Henson made the try by coming across the ruck and creating the overlap and then sliding the ball to Williams to score from 5 metres out.

30

Italy on the attack again - but Wales get it and kick long. Italy kick back and it is knocked on by Wales who are trying to move the ball too quickly and not do the basics.

31 6 - 7

Italy again destroy the Welsh scrum which weren't not helped by having the whole of the back row standing off. Penalty to Italy. Marcato scores for Italy to close the gap to one point.

32

Wales gather and kick the restart - another penalty to Italy and they are taking a scrum - well thats a surprise!

33

The Italian scrum looks very solid. Ball goes right down the centre - right and back infield. ANOTHER penalty to Italy.

34

Marcato going for the posts and scores again.

35 9 - 7

Italy gather restart and kick long - The home side has hardly made a mistake this half.

36

Byrne counters but is held up - then kicked - and Italy through captain Parisse counters.

37

Ball chiped cross field - bad bounce over the line Wales fail to touch down - ball loose - but winger Mark Jones just gets his hand on the ball.

38

Wales had taken the ball over the line - scrum 5 to Italy - great poistion to end the half for Italy.

39

Wales have been warned at the scrum - huge push - ball out - Italy 2 metres out - recycle.

40

Slow ball - the noise is HUGE. Still with forwards - Good defence - 7 metres out - drop goal effort but misses and its half time. Italy leading at half time. Warren Gatland the Welsh coach will not be happy.

 

Italy dominated that half and should be further ahead. They are smashing the Welsh scrum and Wales seems strangely subdued. But it has to be said that when the Welsh backs do get the ball they do look dangerous - but will they get the ball in the second half? Well wait and see with scrum.com

40

Italian fly half Luke McLean - Italian grandmother - starts the second half - Ball high and rightish. Ball cleared - but a big mistake - Ball passed back in ot the 22 - but ball went straight in to touch.

41

Italian line out just outside the Welsh 22. Italy chip behind - Lineout to Wales 10 metres from their try line. They win it - but knock on.

42

Italian scrum 15 metres from the Welsh try line - ball left by Italy and attack down the centre. - good attack.

43

Ball left - Parisse back flip - misses everyone and ball in touch. Welsh scrum - and they get a freekick.

44

Good kick by Byrne with the wind behind him in this half.

45

Italy win their throw. A sort of rolling maul - Italy move the ball right - chip ahead - dangerous ball - but Wales gather and kick long.

46

Italy counter really well with driving running - back in the Welsh 22 - ball loose - and Wales kick the ball down field - ball in to touch. Italy throw.

47

The home side wins its throw - box kick - ball on ground and various hacks - Italy regather and then cross kick.

48

Shane Williams gathers and launches a counter attack but his pass to Lee Byrne is just not right and it is knocked on near the Welsh 10 metres.

49

The Welsh are desperately digging in at the scrum. HIgh kick and Wales again knock on just outside the Welsh 22. The Italians are bringing on subs including Martin Castrogiovanni - the Welsh props must be delighted to see him coming on!

50

The Italian gives aweay a penalty at the scrum - which he has been doing a lot this season.

51

Wales win their throw and take it on down the centre through the forwards. But Italy get another penalty.

52

Ball to touch down the Italian left - they win it and attack down the centre with determined running by the backs.

53

Ball chipped ahead and Wales are on their tryline. - but they get the ball and kick long.

54

Marcato kicks back but ball straight in to touch - Welsh lineout near the half way line.

55

Still the Welsh fans are waiting for their team to explode in to action - but it is still Italy attacking mostly.

56 12 - 7

Game is getting looser - which should suit Wales but they give away another penalty to a huge roar from the crowd. Long kick and slightly to the right of the posts.

57

Marcato going for the posts and kicks really well to score.

58

Welsh subs now on the pitch. Penalty to Wales and Hook going for the posts again a longish kick - but straight.

59 12 - 10

Hook does well and steadies Welsh nerves to score.

60

Italy counter with ball in hand following the restart - up and under - ball loose - huge roar - but its a knock on at the kick. Welsh scrum midway in the Welsh half.

61

A kicking duel takes place and Italian scrum half Griffien messes up and the ball goes in to touch inside the Italian 22.

62

Wales taking their time. They win their throw at the front and then move ball right.

63

Good Italian defence - Wales penalty.

64 12 - 13

Do they go for the kick to take the lead or try for the 5-point score? Hook going for the posts. Full back Byrne injured. Flyhalf Hook with his right foot just curls the ball in to take the lead.

65

Kicking duel - Powell messes up - but ball backwards and is then forced in to touch inside the Welsh 22 - poor play by the number 8 whi has had a great tournament so far.

66

Italy kick high down the centre - Byrne kicks back and in to touch midway in the Italian half.

67

Italy win their throw - ball dead - scrum to the home side. Are Italy fading?

68

Penalty to Italy at the scrum. Ball to touch down the Italian left midway in the Welsh half.

69 15 - 13

Byrne off - Henson to fullback - Shanklin on at centre.

70

Italy attack down the centre and get another penalty. very straight - but long - I am sure the full back Marcato will go for it.

71 15 - 18

Marcato has a very high kicking tee. And the ball just gets inside the posts for Italy to retake the lead.

72

TRY Wales get the restart and attack. ball left and Shanklin gets the ball dummy pass left and he is through to score - much to the relief fo the Welsh fans.

73 15 - 20

Hook converts and makes Italy have to score a try to draw level.

74

Wales kick long at the restart - Italy kick back - Wales counter attack.

75

Ball to touch on the Welsh 10 metres - Italian captain Parisse named Man of the Match.

76

Hook off - Stephen Jones on - Throw not straight - Italian scrum. Ball left - back right - kick - Mark called.

77

Sliced kick to touch - Italian thrrow - but they lose the lineout and Wales kick long.

78

Italy with the ball in their half - Wales defending well.

79

Little box kick but the Italian winger is forced in to touch on the half way line. Wales win their throw at the front.

80

Keeping it within the forwards to waste the time. Penalty to Wales on the half way line. Jones going for the posts. Wind in his favour. Short - last chance for Italy - deep in their 22 - knock on and the game ends with a Welsh victory - but only just.

 

Wales win but Italy were the moral winners. The Welsh depth in strength is not as deep as they imagined - but a victory is a victory and the 6 Nation championship can still be theirs. I hope you enjoyed the game and see you next trime with scrum.com

Timeline

Time Italy  Score  Wales
0 start of first half start of first half
5 Marcato - penalty goal 3 - 0
26 3 - 5 Williams - try
27 3 - 7 Hook - conversion
31 Marcato - penalty goal 6 - 7
35 Marcato - penalty goal 9 - 7
40+1 end of first half end of first half
40 start of second half start of second half
50 Nieto - sub off
Castrogiovanni - sub on
Dellape - sub off
del Fava - sub on
56 Marcato - penalty goal 12 - 7
57 RP Jones - sub on
JJ Thomas - sub off
Bennett - sub off
Rees - sub on
RM Thomas - sub off
Jenkins - sub on
59 12 - 10 Hook - penalty goal
64 Bortolami - sub off
Sole - sub on
12 - 13 Hook - penalty goal
66 Canavosio - sub on
Griffen - sub off
Davies - sub on
Charteris - sub off
68 Shanklin - sub on
Byrne - sub off
69 Marcato - penalty goal 15 - 13
71 15 - 18 Shanklin - try
73 15 - 20 Hook - conversion
75 Orquera - sub on
Marcato - sub off
SM Jones - sub on
Hook - sub off
80+1 end of second half
end of half
end of second half
end of half
80+2
0
81
82

Notes

 
Result Wales won by a margin of 5 points
Six Nations points Wales 2, Italy 0
 
Ground name Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Attendance 31750
 
Referee DA Lewis (Ireland)
 
Italy Test debuts R Quartaroli
Wales Test debuts none

Teams

Italy Wales
Tries none Tries Williams (26), Shanklin (71)
Cons none Cons Hook (27, 73)
Pens Marcato (5, 31, 35, 56, 69) Pens Hook (59, 64)

Match stats

Italy   Wales
0 Tries 2
0 from 0 Conversion goals 2 from 2
5 from 5 Penalty goals 2 from 4
100.0% Kick at goal success 66.7%
0 (2 missed) Dropped goals 0
Kick/pass/run
53 Kicks from hand 47
102 Passes 85
106 Runs 101
372 Metres run with ball 406
Attacking
2 Clean breaks 3
11 Defenders beaten 23
8 Offloads 5
79 from 80 (98.8%) Rucks won 77 from 79 (97.5%)
1 from 1 (100.0%) Mauls won 1 from 1 (100.0%)
13 Turnovers conceded 13
Defensive
111/23 Tackles made/missed 111/11
82.8% Tackling success rate 91.0%
Set pieces
10 won, 1 lost (90.9%) Scrums on own feed 5 won, 0 lost (100.0%)
11 won, 2 lost (84.6%) Lineouts on own throw 9 won, 2 lost (81.8%)
Discipline
8 Penalties conceded 11
0/0 Yellow/red cards 0/0

Italy stats

Pos   T/A Pts K/P/R MR CB DB OL TO Tack LO Pen Y/R
FB Marcato 0/0 15 11/1/8 48 0 0 1 1 3/1 0/0 0 0/0
W Rubini 0/0 0 1/0/6 4 0 3 0 0 2/1 0/0 0 0/0
C Canale 0/0 0 5/4/8 7 0 1 0 2 7/3 0/0 1 0/0
C M Bergamasco 0/0 0 1/1/2 21 1 2 1 0 3/1 0/0 0 0/0
W Pratichetti 0/0 0 1/0/7 30 0 0 1 0 5/1 0/0 1 0/0
FH McLean 0/0 0 24/18/10 42 0 0 0 0 8/1 0/0 0 0/0
SH Griffen 0/0 0 7/46/7 37 0 0 0 2 2/2 0/0 0 0/0
P Perugini 0/0 0 0/2/2 0 0 0 0 0 7/1 0/0 1 0/0
H Ghiraldini 0/0 0 0/0/2 0 0 0 0 0 10/3 0/0 1 0/0
P Nieto 0/0 0 0/0/2 0 0 0 0 0 4/1 0/0 0 0/0
L Dellape 0/0 0 0/0/9 13 0 0 1 2 3/0 1/0 0 0/0
L Bortolami 0/0 0 0/2/3 1 0 0 0 1 15/1 5/0 1 0/0
F Zanni 0/0 0 0/0/4 21 1 0 1 1 6/1 3/0 0 0/0
F M Bergamasco 0/0 0 0/6/6 22 0 1 0 0 5/1 0/0 0 0/0
N8 Parisse 0/0 0 2/6/20 116 0 3 3 4 8/2 1/0 0 0/0
(P) Castrogiovanni 0/0 0 0/1/2 2 0 0 0 0 3/2 0/0 1 0/0
(L) del Fava 0/0 0 0/0/2 0 0 0 0 0 7/1 0/0 0 0/0
(L) Sole 0/0 0 0/0/1 5 0 0 0 0 2/0 0/0 0 0/0
(SH) Canavosio 0/0 0 1/10/2 0 0 0 1 0 2/0 0/0 0 0/0
(FB) Orquera 0/0 0 0/1/2 0 0 1 0 0 0/0 0/0 0 0/0
(C) Quartaroli 0/0 0 0/0/1 3 0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0 0/0
Key T/A Tries / Try Assists Pts Points scored
K/P/R Kick / Pass / Run MR Metres Run with ball
CB Clean Breaks DB Defenders Beaten OL OffLoads TO TurnOvers
Tack Tackles made / missed LO LineOuts won on throw / stolen on opp throw
Pen Penalties conceded Y/R Yellow / Red cards

Wales stats

Pos   T/A Pts K/P/R MR CB DB OL TO Tack LO Pen Y/R
FB Byrne 0/0 0 16/0/8 48 0 0 0 3 0/0 0/0 0 0/0
W MA Jones 0/0 0 3/2/6 18 0 1 0 1 2/0 0/0 0 0/0
C Roberts 0/0 0 0/0/2 7 0 0 0 1 3/2 0/0 0 0/0
C Henson 0/1 0 3/4/5 11 0 1 1 0 3/2 0/0 0 0/0
W Williams 1/0 5 2/0/8 69 0 3 0 1 4/0 0/0 1 0/0
FH Hook 0/1 10 15/11/8 43 1 4 1 1 7/2 0/0 0 0/0
SH Phillips 0/0 0 8/58/3 6 0 0 1 0 1/0 0/0 0 0/0
P Yapp 0/0 0 0/0/5 12 0 0 0 0 8/0 0/0 2 0/0
H Bennett 0/0 0 0/1/4 5 0 0 0 1 9/0 0/0 1 0/0
P RM Thomas 0/0 0 0/0/3 6 0 0 0 0 6/0 0/0 0 0/0
L Charteris 0/0 0 0/0/6 24 1 3 0 1 9/2 5/0 1 0/0
L AW Jones 0/0 0 0/2/5 14 0 2 1 0 15/0 2/2 1 0/0
F JJ Thomas 0/0 0 0/0/6 16 0 2 0 0 9/0 0/0 0 0/0
F DAR Jones 0/0 0 0/0/8 11 0 0 0 1 10/1 1/0 1 0/0
N8 Powell 0/0 0 0/5/15 76 0 5 3 3 4/1 0/0 1 0/0
(H) Rees 0/0 0 0/0/3 7 0 0 0 0 2/0 0/0 0 0/0
(P) Jenkins 0/0 0 0/0/1 0 0 0 0 0 1/1 0/0 0 0/0
(L) Davies 0/0 0 0/0/1 0 0 0 0 0 2/0 1/0 0 0/0
(F) RP Jones 0/0 0 0/0/3 12 0 0 0 0 4/0 0/0 0 0/0
(FH) SM Jones 0/0 0 0/0/0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0 0/0
(FB) Shanklin 1/0 5 0/0/1 21 1 2 0 0 1/0 0/0 1 0/0
Key T/A Tries / Try Assists Pts Points scored
K/P/R Kick / Pass / Run MR Metres Run with ball
CB Clean Breaks DB Defenders Beaten OL OffLoads TO TurnOvers
Tack Tackles made / missed LO LineOuts won on throw / stolen on opp throw
Pen Penalties conceded Y/R Yellow / Red cards

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