Aussies find feet but Horwill sees room for improvement

AUSTRALIA captain James Horwill says his side can improve after opening their World Cup campaign with a 32-6 win over Italy at North Harbour Stadium.

The Wallabies struggled for fluency against an aggressive Italian defence and the whistle of Irish referee Alain Rolland, and the sides were level at the interval thanks to two penalties apiece from Quade Cooper and Mirco Bergamasco.

But the Tri Nations champions were a different proposition after the break, running in tries through Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O’Connor and Digby Ioane to pick up a bonus point.

However, Reds lock Horwill insists there is still much to do ahead of their meeting with Ireland next Saturday.

He said: “In the first half we knew they would come out and try and scrap and kick with the wind, and we made mistakes and gave them too much ball. We didn’t take our opportunities when they came.

“In the second half we turned pressure into points and when we get the ball going forward, and Will Genia and Quade Cooper can get good ball, it’s deadly when that happens.

“It was good to see the backs get some space and score some tries. We are happy with the result but we can certainly improve.”

Head coach Robbie Deans added: “We did well in the second half, we probably did well in the first half too, although it was not shown on the scoreboard.

“Italy had the benefit of the breeze in the first half but our intensity at the contact area was better in the second half.”

Deans also praised a Wallaby scrum that has so often been their Achilles heel, but which coped reasonably well with the vaunted Azzurri pack.

He continued: “We have worked hard there. We are happy with the progress we are making and hopefully we can continue to do so.

“Getting the result was key. We have a lot of respect for the Italians, they defend well and will cause sides problems.”

Italy coach Nick Mallett was pleased with his team’s performance against the world number two team.

“Let’s not forget we played against a team that won the Tri-Nations, they scored 25 points against the All Blacks, we played against a strong team,” he said.

“Italy did well for that first 40 minutes and certainly there were mistakes made but I’m very proud of them.

“I do feel sorry that we didn’t keep up the pace we had the first half but I’m not disappointed in them.”

Italy meet Russia next in Nelson on September 20.