Italy player ratings: Juan Ignacio Brex shines in historic Six Nations win over Scotland
Juan Ignacio Brex was one of Italy's star against Scotland in Rome.
After their historic 31-29 Six Nations victory over Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, here’s how the Italy team performed on Saturday.
Italy player ratings v Scotland
15 Ange Capuozzo: As usual, the Toulon superstar was at the forefront of Italy’s attacking strikes as he kept Scotland’s defence on their toes whenever he had ball in hand. Eventually gained 37 metres from five runs which included a clean break and two defenders beaten. Also showed bravery on defence with a textbook tackle on Duan van der Merwe inside Italy’s 22 when Scotland were chasing the game late on. 8
14 Louis Lynagh: Although this was an open and free-flowing encounter, the Harlequins speedster did not have many attacking opportunities but when he did receive the ball, he made it count as he crossed for a well-taken try on his Test debut. Also did well to keep the dangerous Van der Merwe in check on defence. 7
Brilliant Brex leads the way
13 Juan Ignacio Brex: The Benetton stalwart has been ever-present in Italy‘s Six Nations campaign and he showed why with another superb all-round performance. Brex combined brilliantly with centre partner Tommaso Menoncello on attack, gaining 27 metres from eight runs but also caught the eye with excellent decision making while also doing well on defence with 12 tackles. Named the official Player of the Match. 9
12 Tommaso Menoncello: Was back in his favoured position – after featuring on the wing in Italy’s previous match – and showed how dangerous he can be with some excellent attacking runs while also doing well on defence. Finished with 47 metres gained from 10 runs and also made eight tackles. 8
11 Monty Ioane: Like Lynagh, the Lyon speedster had few attacking opportunities but he was always looking for work and gained 20 metres from seven runs while also putting in a solid defensive effort, making 11 hits. 7
10 Paolo Garbisi: The Toulon-bound playmaker showed, once gain, why he is so important to the Azzurri cause as he delivered a superb all-round showing. Went head-to-head with one of the game’s best fly-halves in Finn Russell and got the better of the Scot. Garbisi impressed with his game management and although he missed a crucial conversion, he slotted the match-winning penalty in the 73rd minute. 9
9 Martin Page-Relo: Showed his class with a deft chip kick in the build-up to Brex’s try and also landed a long-range penalty just before half-time. Apart from that, he also provided a slick service to his outside backs during a 51-minute stint before being replaced somewhat surprisingly by Stephen Varney. 8
Planet Rugby’s player ratings key.
8 Ross Vintcent: The Exeter Chief continues to grow with each outing at international level and came to the fore with arguably his best performance for the Azzurri since making his Test debut earlier in the Six Nations. Caught the eye with a superb line break in the build-up to Varney’s try and was superb on defence. Vintcent finished with a team high 59 metres gained and made 17 tackles. 9
Scotland player ratings: Pierre Schoeman’s ill-discipline proves costly in defeat to Italy
Big defensive shift from the captain
7 Michele Lamaro (c): Another strong performance from the Azzurri skipper, who impressed with his leadership and his outstanding defensive ability. Whatever the Scots threw at them on attack, Lamaro was there to stop them in their tracks and finished with a match-high 24 tackles made. 8
6 Sebastian Negri: Returned to action after missing Italy’s previous two matches due to injury and illustrated how important he is to his country’s cause with a superb all-round effort during a 60-minute stint. Kept the Scottish defence busy with some strong carries and was solid on defence, eventually making 11 hits. 8
5 Federico Ruzza: The Benetton second-row was Italy’s go-to-man in the lineouts as he gained valuable possession at the set-piece but also came to the fore with a huge defensive shift as he finished with 16 tackles made. 8
4 Niccolò Cannone: The 25-year-old gave good support to Ruzza at the lineouts but also did his bit on defence, where he made 10 tackles, before being replaced by Andrea Zambonin in the game’s latter stages. 7
3 Simone Ferrari: The 29-year-old did what was expected of him in the scrums but also had a lively game on defence where he made eight tackles before being replaced by Giosue Zilocchi in the 51st minute. 7
2 Giacomo Nicotera: He had some issues with his throw-ins at the lineouts during the opening half but that got better as the match progressed and eventually replaced by Gianmarco Lucchesi early in the second half. Nicotera shone on attack and also did well on defence where he completed 10 tackles. 7
1 Danilo Fischetti: The Zebre Parma front-row was solid in most of his core duties before being replaced by Mirco Spagnoli in the 59th minute. Stood up well in the scrums and made six tackles. 7
Replacements: The Azzurri’s substitutes deserve plenty of credit as they continued to maintain the high standards of the players who they replaced and brought plenty of energy to the cause especially in the final quarter. 8
READ MORE: Italy end 11-year wait for Rome triumph as Scotland’s Six Nations hopes dented
