Bay of Plenty topples Italians

Bay of Plenty successfully repelled a resurgent Italy to record a 33-30 win in Rotorua today.

It was the first win by the province over an international side since a 36-26 win over Fiji in 1994 and it gave the tourists their second loss in three games in New Zealand.

Bay of Plenty kept their line intact in the second half until the final movement of the game, when Italian reserve Gert Peens crossed to gain some consolation points.

Both teams scored three tries, but Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Glen Jackson helped his side to the win with 18 points from three conversions and four penalties.

The home side also had an advantage in the rucks and mauls, with the loose forward trio of Rodney Voullaire, Wayne Ormond and captain and No 8 Clayton McMillan shading their opposition.

Ormond played large roles in Bay of Plenty's first two tries, making a strong incursion into the Italian half and putting wing Charles Baxter away in the first instance.

He then forced an Italian mistake 10m from their line at a ruck and the ball popped free for halfback Chris Le Lievre to pounce.

But the Italian team, having lost their first tour match 40-18 to Southland and struggled to pass second division Counties-Manukau midweek, hit back with two well-taken tries to wings Apenisa Tuta Vodo and Andrea Masi.

Both were against the run of play - a Jackson clearing kick was charged down and Masi scored after he gathered a chip and chase from 50m out.

Bay of Plenty led 20-17 at halftime, and drew away after the break. Jackson was on target with three penalties and wing Anthony Tahana capped a good game by rounding his marker from 35m out.

Despite the loss, Italy coach and former All Black John Kirwan was far from despondent.

His team face two tough matches to finish their tour, against Taranaki on Wednesday and Waikato next Saturday, but he was satisfied with their progress.

"We're getting better and that's what we're here for," Kirwan said.

"Some of the things we're putting together are starting to work, although there's still a bit of confusion in changing the old systems.

"No one likes to lose and they're pretty disappointed, but we've got to keep working towards our objectives."

- NZPA