‘Canada dictated game’ – Brunel

Editor

Italy head coach Jacques Brunel has admitted Canada "dictated the game" against his side after the Azzurri claimed a 23-18 win in Leeds on Saturday.

Both nations crossed for two tries apiece at Elland Road but the Italians came out on top thanks to the boot of fly-half Tommaso Allan, taking them third in the pool.

"I'm not happy with how we set up the match," he said.

"The Canadians, particularly on the wing, played really well but we never had really good ball, and they dominated. They dictated the game," said Brunel afterwards, stressing that if they play like that against Ireland in their penultimate pool game they will be punished.

"If someone can look forward into the future, then that is not me. But if we play the same as we did today then we will go 30 points down against Ireland, we know that."

Italy lost captain Leonardo Ghiraldini to injury in the game and Brunel revealed he would be assessed on Sunday before they make a call on his fitness.

"We're waiting until tomorrow (Sunday) to do more tests but I think it's a strain or tear of the right leg. Not sure," he added.