Lowly Southland thrash Italy

8pm

John Kirwan's Italy were beaten 40-18 by Southland in their first match of a short rugby tour of New Zealand.

Italy have scheduled five matches in New Zealand in two weeks to prepare for October's rugby World Cup in Australia.

Former All Black star Kirwan coaches Italy, who were beaten five-tries to two by Southland, one of weakest first division provinces.

Italy fielded a giant forward pack but their set pieces were disorganised and their backline play, which might have flourished on steady possession, was impeded by slow passing and poor handling.

Insult was added for the tourists when Jason Rutledge, the son of Italy's forward coach Leicester Rutledge, a former Southland coach, scored one of Southland's tries.

Try-scoring fullback Massimo Ravazzolo was among the best of the Italian backs, although he lacked opportunities, while No. 8 Matt Phillips stood out among the forwards.

Southland 40 (Jason Harrison, Richard Newman, Steve Jackson, Jason Rutledge, Seremaia Bai tries; Newman 2 pen, 2 con; Shane McDermott pen, con), Italy 18 (Christian Stoica, Massimo Ravazzolo tries; Vincenzo Zullo 2 pen; Ramiro Pez conversion).


- NZPA