Mallett boasts Italy have beating of Ireland up front

Italy 27 USA 10

The Italians, five days before they face Ireland in Dunedin, enjoyed a dominant scrum against the United States but made heavy weather of their bonus-point win over Eddie O’Sullivan’s Eagles in Nelson.

That did not stop former South Africa coach Mallett, ahead of potentially his final match in charge of Italy, from throwing a grenade into the pre-match build-up.