An Italian side full of flair ran in five second-half tries to thrash Namibia in the Rugby World Cup match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Saturday.
Italy showed they’re all business, recording a crushing 52-8 victory over Allister Coetzee’s Nambian side.
Tries from No 8 Lorenzo Cannone and flyhalf Paolo Garbisi steered a slick-looking Italian side to an early and commanding lead, but a gutsy effort from Namibia resulted in a try for winger Gerswin Mouton as the Azzurri took a 17-8 lead into the break.
Paolo Garbisi cuts right through the Namibian defence 🇮🇹#RWC2023 | #ITAvNAM pic.twitter.com/15z7nH05Hm
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 9, 2023
Namibia open their account at #RWC2023 🏉
The Welwitschias are giving Italy some headaches 👏
💻 Stream the half-time chat now: https://t.co/bDeiretgWP | #ITAvNAM pic.twitter.com/qeEdEPkNPV
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 9, 2023
Italy kicked into gear in the second half, first scoring through lock Dino Lamb before fullback Ange Capuozzo’s try sealed the bonus point.
A burst of energy from Namibia’s bench momentarily halted the Italians before tries from replacements, hooker Hame Faiva, flanker Manuel Zuliani and centre Paolo Odogwu, wrapped up an impressive performance from the Azzurri.
🇮🇹 Italy speedster Ange Capuozzo leaves his stamp on the match with this brilliant try against Namibia in Toulouse! #RWC2023 #ITAvNAM pic.twitter.com/WCGLXlE6uk
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 9, 2023
Italy will eye a second victory when they clash with Uruguay on September 14, while it doesn’t get any easier for Nambia as they prepare to take on the All Blacks on September 15.
Photo: AFP