The saving grace for the Wallabies was their pack, notably returning breakaway Tom Hooper who brought aggression in his carries, aligned with the fetching ability of Fraser McReight, whose two steals at the ruck largely kept Australia in the game.
Last Saturday in England, the Wallabies had conceded a 25-metre rolling maul. In Italy, Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler, on his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions first Test, muscled over for a desperately needed try.
Taniela Tupou of Australia gets past Andrea ZamboninCredit: Getty Images
A sniping run from Jake Gordon opened the Italian defence, providing the perfect platform for Angus Bell to rumble over from close range. A penalty for Tupou taking an Italian player off the ball was kicked over by Garbisi, cutting the Wallabies’ lead to three points, where the score stayed at half-time.
Udine is a city that typically rocks to the rhythm of its football team Udinese, and the rugby served up by both Italy and the Wallabies was not likely to win over many new fans.
Garbisi converted his third penalty after captain Harry Wilson jumped across the lineout. Shortly after, Wilson lost possession when the ball was stripped by Zuliani. With the ball loose Carter Gordon picked it up and brilliantly stepped Italy’s Australia-raised Ioane. After a long deliberation with the TMO on whether Wilson had knocked on the ball, referee Andrew Brace gave the try, ruling that it was stripped. Boos rained down from the home crowd; the reaction from Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada was almost as furious.
Ultimately, the decision spurred Italy on. The Wallabies had been warned about their frequent indiscipline by referee Andrew Brace and Suaalii was yellow-carded for a high tackle, with Italian winger Lynagh scoring in the corner, Garbisi calmly converting.
Tom Hooper runs the ballCredit: Getty Images
A man down, the Wallabies were completely stretched in defence, and Ioane cruised over for his side’s second try, to give a nine point lead with 17 minutes to go. The Wallabies had a golden opportunity to cut the deficit, but were held up on the Italian line by a home side that grew in confidence with each passing minute.
Italy should have killed the game with a try on the 72nd minute after Filipo Daugunu’s pass was intercepted before Federico Ruzza knocked the ball on. It didn’t matter. Italy were not in danger of losing the game and the stadium saluted the new heroes of Udine on the final whistle.
The Wallabies stood on the field stunned in defeat, wondering how the team that had won in Johannesburg had fallen so hard and so far. Stern challenges await in Ireland and France in the next two weeks.
The quest for a top six ranking ahead of the World Cup draw needs to be parked; the Wallabies simply need to find confidence that has seemingly deserted them when they need it most.
