Scotland unable to capitalise on Italian indiscipline

ITALY opened their campaign with a bonus point away win on Friday night, battling in the second half to score three tries having ended the first half with two players in the sin bin.

When the Scots levelled at 7-7 bang on the stroke of half-time it looked like they would kick on, especially with Italy shorthanded until the 49th minute.

However, they held firm and once back to 15, turned the screw to take a precious five points from Glasgow.

Italy captain Manuela Furlan said: “It was a tough game, but the way we defended with 13 players was key, it allowed us to go on from there and get the tries to close the game out.”

It was Italy who scored first when Ilaria Arrighetti put the finishing touch to a strong driving maul and Scotland lost Megan Kennedy to the sin-bin.

But with her back on they scored a converted try of their own as the clock ticked over 40 minutes with Sarah Bonar diving over to level at the break, profiting while Italy were down to 13 with Valentina Ruzza and Elena Giordano binned.

Despite Scottish pressure in the second half, Italy kept them out and they re-took the lead when Giada Franco muscled over for 14-7.

Scotland tried to force a response, but it was Italy who showed more composure with Beatrice Rigoni scoring try number three and Elisa Giordano bagged the try bonus.

Scotland coach Shade Munro said: “It was disappointing that once we got level we didn’t kick on.”