Aussies suffer Pocock blow
VICTORY celebrations within the Wallabies’ camp could end up being short-lived as they await news on the injury suffered by back row David Pocock in Padova.
Australia’s talismanic forward was assisted off the field by medical staff after being struck on the head in contact.
The incident put a dampener on only the fourth win claimed by Michael Cheika’s side in 2018, as wing Marika Koroibete ran in two tries.
An edgy opening exchange soon saw the match burst into life as the Azzurri had two tries chalked off, firstly by the TMO who ruled out Braam Steyn’s score for a foot in touch and then Pascal Gauzere adjudging Tito Tebaldi to be offside when he intercepted a pass at the lineout.
Unfazed, Australia then closed out the half to lead 14-0 at the break thanks to wing Koroibete, who was set up by the impressive Samu Kerevi for his first before completing a quickfire double when Adam Ashley-Cooper sent him clear.
The second half saw Australia put up a defensive wall after tighthead prop Taniela Tupou powered over for his team’s third score.
A try by Mattia Bellini sent Italy into all-out attack mode, and racheting up the pressure on Australia soon saw ill-discipline slip in as Scott Sio was sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on, but a late Will Genia finish sealed the win.