Jeronimo as Pumas edge Italy
GENOA: Tries by Lucas Amorosino and Jeronimo de la Fuente made the difference for battling Argentina as they resisted a second-half fight-back to beat Italy 20-18 and claim their fifth consecutive win over the Azzurri yesterday.
In a match moved forward a day because of fears over predicted stor ms in flood-hit Genoa, Italy were looking to build on their morale-boosting 24-13 win over Samoa in Ascoli last week when Kelly Haimona scored 14 points with the boot.
But despite the New Zealand-born flyhalf coming good again with 15 points, Italy failed to produce the try that, on occasion, their enterprising play deserved.
Argentina travelled to Italy on the back of a 41-31 defeat to Scotland but had suffered only one defeat to Italy, a 13-12 reverse in Cordoba in 2008, in the sides’ previous seven meetings.
Despite Italy’s poor record, the hosts had high hopes of ending that sorry streak.
Haimona continued to underline his influence with the boot when he kicked Italy into a 12-3 lead with four penalties by the 24th minute, but the game was brought to life moments before half-time when the Pumas slashed their deficit.
Amorosino pounced on a loose ball to kick downfield and after a sustained period of possession, the Argentina winger went over for the opening try.
Flyhalf Juan Hernandez kicked the conversion to considerably reduce the arrears on the half-time whistle.
Italy came flying out of the blocks in the second half and after a promising charge by No 8 and captain Sergio Parisse, Haimona kicked another penalty from 25 metres to give Italy a 15-10 lead.
Italy tried to up the pace, but the hosts were outdone when Parisse’s attempted chip deep in his own end ultimately led to an Argentina scrum.
Argentina controlled and a great ball from Hernandez sent De la Fuente clear to run through a static Italian defence and plant the ball under the posts, with Hernandez kicking a simple conversion to give the tourists a 17-15 lead on the hour.
Italy nerves told minutes later when Argentina were handed a penalty decision at the ruck, with Nicolas Sanchez kicking over for the Pumas to take them five points clear.
Luciano Orquera reduced that four minutes later to set up a thrilling finish, but as Argentina were camped in their own 22, a late drop-goal attempt from the replacement flyhalf sailed wide. – Sapa-AFP