Connolly relieved as Aussies see off ‘ever-improving’ Italians

AUSTRALIA coach John Connolly was mightily relieved to see his side avoid a major upset against a spirited Italy in the second of their four-game European tour.

A dominant pack helped Italy open up an early nine-point lead, but three unanswered Australian tries eventually saw the visitors clinch a hard-fought 25-18 victory. All of Italy’s points came from Ramiro Pez’s boot, which landed six penalties.

While the Azzurri were giving Australia a fright here on Saturday, Argentina, Italy’s opponents next weekend, were defeating world champions England at Twickenham. Connolly was far from surprised to see the underdogs closing the gap on rugby’s hierarchy.