Italy player ratings: Prop’s statement performance while ‘dismal’ playmaker lets Springboks ‘off the hook’
Italy player ratings: Prop's statement performance while 'dismal' playmaker lets Springboks 'off the hook'
Following a 32-14 victory for the Springboks over Italy in their Autumn Nations Series fixture in Turin on Saturday, here’s our player ratings for the Azzurri.
15 Ange Capuozzo: His pace is never in doubt but against the height of the Bok backline and the pinpoint kicking of Handre Pollard, Capuozzo struggled against the aerial bombardment that came his way and his failure to deal with it allowed the Springboks consistent exit and vital metres. But boy oh boy, give this guy a gap and he toasts you. 6
14 Louis Lynagh: Busy and committed, he tried hard to get himself into the match but couldn’t quite manage to find the space outside as the Springboks closed him down well early on, but as the match progressed he gave Italy some territory to work with and showed real resilience. 6
13 Nacho Brex: Defended wonderfully well and marshalled his troops with charisma and his usual competitiveness. Gave us a trademark sumptuous cut back pass in the first half and followed that up with some great orchestration of the backline, challenging the Bok defence all afternoon. His leadership is very much the heartbeat of this improving Azzurri side. Crucial steal off Andre Esterhuizen to save a try. 8
12 Tommaso Menoncello: By his high standards, his handling and angles aren’t quite as sharp as we’ve seen them in previous matches. Got through a lot of work in defence, but more is expected in attack from a player of his calibre. 5
11 Monty Ioane: A very quiet afternoon for the flying wing. Like his other back three comrades, he didn’t quite have the physicality or height to defuse the spiral bombs that came his way from Pollard and Damian Willemse. 4
10 Paolo Garbisi: A dismal day off the tee as he blew some simple penalty attempts that let South Africa off the hook when Italy needed to strike. 50% is simply not good enough at this level. Overhit his aerial chaser kicks too but ruptured the Springbok defence with a brilliant switchback play to send Capuozzo over. But his kicking allowed South Africa back into the match, it’s as simple as that. Melted by Kwagga Smith to end a dismal day, other than that cut back pass. 4
9 Stephen Varney: Controlled and clever, he marshalled his troops well, but without the artillery to chase his kicks, he never quite managed to impose the Azzurri exit and attack in the manner he did last weekend. 5
The forwards
8 Lorenzo Cannone: He’ll be hugely disappointed about the yellow card that allowed the Springboks to own the scoreboard in his absence, but he put in a mammoth performance of clatter and clash, leading the carries and defensive work. 6
7 Manuel Zuliani: For the second week running, a dominant display of the openside’s arts as he pickpocketed the Springbok ruck, carried like a bull and led the defensive effort. Topped the tackle and steal stats for the match, beat two defenders, and carried his heart out. He’ll rue the moment of miscommunication with Menoncello on the Bok line, but another outstanding afternoon’s work. 9
6 Ross Vintcent: Italy really missed his pace and intellect when he left the pitch with a rib injury. Another great shift from the flanker who is emerging as an important figure for Italy. 7
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5 Andrea Zambonin: Stole a lineout, and put Marco van Staden on his back in a fine physical performance. Powerful around the ruck area and generally had an impressive day at the office. 6
4 Niccolo Cannone: Did everything you’d ask of a tighthead lock. Won his lineouts, cleared his rucks and defended well. 6
3 Marco Riccioni: Had a fine day in the tight for 50 minutes as he, Nicotera and Danilo Fischetti made a big statement against the world’s best scrum. 6
2 Giacomo Nicotera: Another bruising display from the bullish Italian hooker. Hit his darts, scrummaged powerfully and smashed through an immense tackle count. Emerging as world class hooker. 7
1 Danilo Fischetti: Got the better of two Springbok tightheads in a statement display of the loosehead’s art following his brilliant performance last weekend against Australia. A real emerging superstar of Italian rugby who uses his squat technique to beat the bigger men – but loses a mark for gifting South Africa a silly penalty for offside which cost a vital three points. 8
Replacements: Italy’s starters did such a good job that the bench men had a hard act to follow. Fedrico Ruzza shone once he emerged, and Tommaso Di Bartolomeo is definitely one to watch as he starts his Test career. Tommy Allan also gave us some nice touches but ultimately Italy’s replacements didn’t hit the heights of the brilliance of the Springbok bomb squad. 5