ITALY 37 FIJI 31

http://www.supersport.com/rugby/international/news/131116/Italy_sneak_past_Fiji_in_abrasive_contest

Would like to see a highlights package of this !!!

Sergio Parisse was among the try scorers on his 100th international appearance in Italy's 37-31 win over an abrasive Fiji side who had five players sin-binned, four in the space of eight first-half minutes on Saturday.

In a breathless match, the hosts looked to have made the game secure with a 20-point lead with 10 minutes to play, but two converted tries from Fiji set up a tense finale in Cremona.

After Akapusi Qera was yellow carded in the 20th minute Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Masi Matadigo and Nadolo Nasiganiyavi quickly followed into the sin-bin in an opening period that saw Italy struggle against the Fijian's tough tackling and only score their first try when the tourists were reduced to 11 men.

Fiji struck first when Italy gave the ball away cheaply in a promising position, Asaeli Tikoirotuma snatching a misplaced pass in the seventh minute and racing up the field virtually unchallenged before feeding Metuisela Talebulamaijaina for an easy touch down.

Two Luciano Orqeuro penalties got Italy up and running but it was not until the rapid series of yellow cards that the hosts took advantage with two tries in three minutes.

First Parisse snuck over the line after a long drive on the half hour mark, then Luke McLean finished off a fine passing move that finally exposed the away side's numerical disadvantage to make it 20-5 to the Italians.

Moments after a 46th-minute Orquera penalty Fiji struck with their second try, Talebulamaijaina kicking and chasing down the struggling Parisse, who with the ball bouncing let Timoci Nagusa sneak in for the score.

Italy thought they had put the match beyond Fiji when they were given a penalty try in the 57th minute, but Nasiganiyavi struck back two minutes later with a powerful burst towards the line to make it 30-17.

A touch of class from Parisse helped increase the gap to 20 points with 11 minutes left when he burst from a scrum in the Fijian 22 before slipping the ball neatly to Fiji-born Manoa Vosawai for an easy try.

But Italy's weak tackling allowed Fiji to score twice in a frantic three minutes through Seremaia Baikeinuku and Nagusa, and with Parisse off the field had to survive a torrid last few minutes to hold on for the win

Will definitely have to have a look at this match. Great result Italy and sounds like the crowd were entertained. Parisse with 100 caps is very surprising to be honest and glad he got a victory to mark his centenary cap.

So at one point, Fiji had just eleven on the pitch?

Sounds like a cracking game.

100 caps for Parisse, Jenkins and Carter in 1 weekend - that's unusual

Duty281 wrote:So at one point, Fiji had just eleven on the pitch?

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Wow! Has that ever happened in an international before?

wales606 wrote:

Duty281 wrote:So at one point, Fiji had just eleven on the pitch?

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Wow! Has that ever happened in an international before?

I've not heard of it. Maybe Fiji were trying to change it to 7s

Cyril wrote:

wales606 wrote:

Duty281 wrote:So at one point, Fiji had just eleven on the pitch?

.

Wow! Has that ever happened in an international before?

I've not heard of it. Maybe Fiji were trying to change it to 7s

Nah, if they had done they would have won!

Heard that italy had most of the possesion but kept losing it in the fijian 22.

Well worth watching the 8 minutes where Fiji lose 4 players. (the madness happens from the 38 minute mark on the video)

Incredibly, at one stage Italy (are 2 points down) had a penalty bang in front of the posts on the 22m line, at this stage they're up against 12 men, with a totally dominate scrum. If they go for the scrum they'll tie in 9 players, meaning the other 3 will have the entire pitch to cover. Italy will have a clear overlap whichever way they go, plus their power in the pack will mean the Fijain flankers will be stuck in at the scrum.


Yet Italy decide to take the points?????  

How monotone is the commentator!? Even at four yellows, something unheard of, he barely sounds interested.

Not as pleasing to the eye as the yellows and the score suggest mind.

Just read that luca morisi had to have his spleen removed Street This game. I didn't even know you could have your spleen removed

The highlight of the match for me was when Niko "the nutter" Matawalu had the ball at the back of a ruck about 15 yards from the Italian line. He spotted the ref's arm out and heard him shout, advantage. Niko deliberately fumbles the ball forward so the ref awards a penalty to Fiji. As the Italians begin retreating he taps and goes, weaves his way to within two yards and gives a scoring pass. He is a genius and I hope he stays at Glasgow for a long time.