Scotland v Italy
The Hive, Edinburgh
Scotland had high hopes of a home win after their defeat of Wales and decent showing in France. It was not to be, a grave disappointment to players, staff and crowd.
Both sets of backs had been written up pre-match. As things turned out, it was the Azzurre who profited greatly. There were errors on both sides, but Italian power up front and penetration out behind proved conclusive.
Sofia Stefan’s kicks and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi’s runs marked the early stages, but the team gave away possession and penalties as before. There were warning signs, but typical Italian inaccuracy held them back.
Things looked better for the Scots as Helen Nelson gained good ground with her kicks, and Emma Orr made a dangerous thrust.
A turnover brought a first home try. A line-out drive, then a cleverly worked backs’ move saw Chloe Rollie weave her way through and force the ball down where it mattered. One 22 entry, one try. 7-0
On the quarter-hour came a setback: Leia Brebner-Holden had to leave the field injured; Caity Mattinson played the rest of the game.
Italy opened their account after a series of untidy phases by Scotland. A penalty near the line finished with Francesca Sgorbini claiming the try. She was to complete a fine game. Michela Sillari, now restored to order after a nasty injury, pushed a simple kick wide. 7-5
On the half-hour she made up for it with a wonderful dummy and pass left to Aura Muzzo, who had open country in front of her. 7-10
Then we had rugby 2025-fashion. An angled Sillari conversion went over, but just after a shrill blast on the whistle. She had run out of time, joining a still select band of kickers that includes Holly Aitchison. And yet the laws allow teams to delay the line-out for an unconscionable amount of time.
As the clock went red, Scotland paid a rare visit to the visitors’ 22, Despite a number of phases, they finally lost the ball to an optimistic pass. Italy’s rush-defence was proving hard to penetrate.
Half-time: 7-10
An outstanding line-out move put the Scots in front. Lana Skeldon threw hard and low to Rachel McLachlan, who slipped the ball behind her to Evie Gallagher. She found nobody in her path and roared over the line. 12-10
At once a penalty for holding on put Scotland on the back foot again. The Azzurre pack drove hard at the line, but stern defence caused a knock-on. It was all Italy at this stage, but handling errors were their undoing – eleven thus far.
Their back three remained the big threat. A deep kick out of defence by Lisa Thomson landed in Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi’s lap. She fed Alyssa D’Incà on the burst down the left. It took a high tackle by Thomson to stop her, but a return pass to Ostuni Minuzzi ensured the try. A yellow for Thomson. 12-15
Into the last quarter and Italy were all over Scotland – except those vital last five metres. Once more they lost the ball with the line gaping. Desperate defence brought a ‘held-up’ decision, but the Scots were three points down and at the wrong end of the field.
Then what seemed inevitable: a fine running move to the right and a long pass from Beatrice Rigoni allowed D’Incà to race into the corner for a valuable bonus-point try. 12-20
Could the hosts come back with two scores? As Thomson returned they won a penalty; but It took them an age to find an opening as they battered at the line. Finally it was Fran McGhie’s neat footwork that did the trick. 17-20
The crowd could only hope and cheer; just three minutes left, but from there it was all Italy. A final sharp movement gave Muzzo all the room she needed on the left edge to make the game safe.
This was a great boost for the team, and especially for the coach, Fabio Roselli; his first 6N win and much needed.
Result: Scotland 17 Italy 25
Player of the Match: Aura Muzzo
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARFU)
Attendance: 5,029
Teams:
Scotland
15 Chloe Rollie, 14 Rhona Lloyd, 13 Emma Orr, 12 Lisa Thomson, 11 Francesca McGhie, 10 Helen Nelson, 9 Leia Brebner-Holden, 8 Evie Gallagher, 7 Rachel McLachlan, 6 Rachel Malcolm (captain), 5 Sarah Bonar, 4 Becky Boyd, 3 Elliann Clarke, 2 Lana Skeldon, 1 Anne Young
16 Elis Martin, 17 Leah Bartlett, 18 Molly Poolman, 19 Adelle Ferrie, 20 Alex Stewart, 21 Jade Konkel, 22 Caity Mattinson, 23 Lucia Scott
Italy
15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Alyssa D’Incà, 10 Emma Stevanin, 9 Sofia Stefan, 8 Elisa Giordano (captain), 7 Beatrice Veronese, 6 Francesca Sgorbini, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Sara Tounesi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 1 Silvia Turani
16 Desiree Spinelli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Valeria Fedrighi, 20 Alissa Ranuccini, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Veronica Madia, 23 Sara Mannini
Table in brief
W L Pts
England 3 0 15
France 3 0 14
Ireland 1 2 5
Italy 1 2 5
Scotland 1 2 4
Wales 0 3 1
Afterthoughts:
This result did the Six Nations a power of good. Whatever our national affiliations, we know it’s not good to have one or two contestants trailing far behind. Italy had been the only team without a point; now they could claim a well deserved five.
Neither side has an easy fixture coming: the Scots away to England, the Azzurre hosting France.
Only two captains today. Are we getting our money’s worth? We’re so used to four! Will captains be replaced by committees one day? We already have leadership groups who can gather in the middle of the pitch to have a chat about matters of common interest.
One effect of divided leadership is to slow the game down. Referee: “scrum or line-out?” Captain 1 has to seek out Captain 2 for advice. I haven’t yet seen them toss a coin.
