It was our turn for win, says Troncon

Italy captain Alessandro Troncon was delighted his side had buried the memories of their 1999 World Cup defeat to Tonga with a rousing victory in Canberra on Wednesday.

The Azzurri ran in three tries to win 36-12 and heap pressure on Wales in the race for second place in the World Cup’s tight Pool D.

“Last time we lost in 1999, this time is our time,” said scrum-half Troncon.

“We won a good match that for each team was important to win to continue in the World Cup so I am very happy for the guys.”

Italy were beaten heavily in their opening World Cup game by New Zealand, conceding 11 tries as the All Blacks sliced through their defence.

Troncon, who did not start that game, praised the way his team had responded.

“I think today we played with discipline, we took the points, we scored the tries when we had to score, we had a good defence and we have to be happy.”

Tonga’s Gus Leger was proud of the effort the Pacific Islanders had given and vowed they would come out fighting against Wales on Sunday.

“The boys gave it their all,” he said.

“They all put their bodies on the line. Now it’s on to Wales on Sunday. We will regather, regroup and come out fighting.”