In recent years, the Italian Azzurri have steadily climbed the ranks and gained increased international exposure through their participation in the past two World Cups.
On the rise and looking to impress, the South African Rhinos came into this contest looking to build momentum as they hurdle towards their quest to reappear in their first World Cup since 2000.
Despite the different starting points of these nations, the Azzurri were made up of a vastly different squad compared to the one that featured in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).
For example, NRL stars James Tedesco (who was recently selected by the Australian Kangaroos), Paul Vaughan, Daniel Alvaro and Nathan Brown were not present.
In addition, injury to Azzurri superstar and arguably Italy’s best in the RLWC – Joey Tramontana – meant there were some big shoes to be filled.
Furthermore, former Magpies legend Leo Epifania has taken over the mantle of head coach following the handover from current Penrith Panthers coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Therefore, with a new-look squad led by the experienced and passionate Epifania, the competition for Italian jerseys was intense!
Nothing other than a fully committed performance would open the door for the next willing blue solider in waiting.
Epifania used the opportunity to understand his squad’s current strengths as well as those areas needing improvement.
All in all, it made for an intriguing international rugby league match with both sides having lots at stake.
And off it went!
Following earlier downpour which continued into the game, both teams struggled to maintain good ball security and establish early field position dominance.
In the early exchanges, both sides were sizing each other up with some determined carries up the middle as well as strong contact in defence which could be felt by the brave (and vocal) supporters who battled the conditions to get behind their nation.
In the opening 10 minutes, the Rhinos were arguably winning the arm-wrestle, and were forcing the Azzurri into some handling errors to put pressure on them in their “red-zone” (within 10 metres of their try line).
To the Italians’ credit, their united defence withstood the early enthusiasm of the South Africans who were unable to capitalise on their strong field position.
After a period of intensive defensive pressure, the Azzurri were able to create some good go-forward, led by captain Brenden Santi and his forward partners Johnny Trimboli, Dominic Biondi, Gioele Celerino and Rhys Sciglitano.
Finally, in the 12th minute the Azzurri were rewarded with the game’s first points, with a try to winger Brock Pelligra following a sublime long, over-the-top, cut-out pass from former Canberra Raiders legend and Italian veteran, Terry Campese.
Goal-kicking sharp-shooter Josh Mantellato converted brilliantly from the sideline.
6-0 to Italia!
The first half continued to be hard-fought struggle with both teams giving each other very little in terms of allowing genuine try-scoring opportunities to be created.
Then, on the half-hour mark, a moment of individual brilliance from five-eight Daniel Petralia busted open a resilient Rhinos to score the Azzurri’s second try of the night.
Mantellato made no mistake and saw the Italians take a 12-point lead.
Just before the break, the enthusiastic South African defence gave them an opportunity to apply some scoreboard pressure, however the Italians’ commitment on their try line saw them protect their 12-0 lead heading into the break.
It was shaping up to be an entertaining game of international rugby league with both teams playing their part.
A big second half was on the cards.
The second stanza followed a similar pattern to the first.
The ball control discipline from the Azzurri and Rhinos continued to be affected by the wet surface as well as the early defensive pressure being applied by both teams.
Midway into the second half, there was a tremendous shifting of the ball out wide and burst of speed from a Rhinos winger, who ran down the side and passed it back on the inside to five-eight Coby Thomas to score a great try.
The goal kick was unsuccessful.
Italy 12-4.
The Rhinos’ spirits were lifted and they could sense more points were on offer.
With fatigue entering, both coaches looked to their benches to inject some spark and bolster their defensive structures.
Both teams continued to go at each back and forth with some great dummy half runs from Azzurri hooker Vinnie Ripepi (who had been a brick wall in defence leading up to this point) and carries from the back by fullback livewire Samuel Dolores, which gave the Italians’ some good momentum and field position.
However, it was the Rhinos who posted the next try in the 67th minute through a nice last-tackle spread of the ball through the hands that saw Will Smith provide a pearler-of-a-pass to his wing partner Darren O’Donovan to score in the corner.
Fortunately for the Azzurri, the kick was unsuccessful, with Mantellato’s golden boot proving to be the difference at this point.
12-8 in favour of the Azzurri.
With the game truly on knife’s edge heading into the final 10 minutes, and the momentum well and truly with the resurgent Rhinos.
The Azzurri needed to dig deep and look back to their defensive efforts in the first half for inspiration to help carry them over the line.
The Rhinos continued their onslaught in search of a way to again penetrate the Azzurri line and find a potential match-winning try.
But in the 77th minute their hopes were dashed when captain courageous and superman Santi crashed over the line for Italy’s third try to earn them a hard-fought victory against a spirited South Africa.
Mantellato converted to add the icing on the cake and help him maintain his 100 per cent record for the match.
From an Italian perspective, it wasn’t the prettiest of wins, or the most flamboyant of performances, but the defensive attitude and commitment to ensure a tight victory will give coach Epifania a lot to be proud of.
There were plenty of positives, but equally as many areas for improvement which will need to be fast-tracked ahead of their next match against a formidable Samoan outfit in a fortnight’s time.
Overall, it was a truly fantastic game of international rugby league between two proud and emerging nations!
It demonstrated a combination of fine solo and team-based tries, great running from the middle warriors, and some terrific collective and one-on-one defending.
Both teams should be proud of the way they represented their culture in the clash.
Judging from the performance, the future of rugby league in these countries is bright.
Well done to both squads, coaches, and support staff for organising the event.
A lot is said about the 80 minutes of action on the field, but it is also important to acknowledge the action off the field by many good people in the background who give up their time to help deliver the end product to the benefit of those who are privileged to watch.
Without the commitment of these people there is no game and, therefore, a massive thankyou goes out to the behind-the-scenes stars.
Finally, the game was undoubtedly bolstered by the dedicated and passionate fans who turned up in the face of undesirable conditions to support their nations.
Accordingly, a big thank you must go out to them.
Forza Azzurri! Forza Italia! Forza Rugby League!
