Italy concluded their summer tour of
the Pacific by running in five tries in a convincing 42-14 win
over Japan in Sapporo on Sunday.
In the first half fullback Ange Capuozzo, scrum-half Martin
Page-Relo and lock Andrea Zambonin crossed the line, with all
three tries converted by flyhalf Paolo Garbisi, and Page-Relo
hit a long-range penalty put the Azzurri 24-0 up.
Japan centre Dylan Riley took advantage of some poor defending
to score two tries either side of half time and help bring the
hosts back to 24-14.
But the visitors cruised home with two more penalties by
Page-Relo and more tries, by Garbisi's scrumhalf brother
Alessandro, who came on as a substitute, and flanker Ross
Vintcent.
The only bad news for Italy was that Paolo Garbisi had to be
stretchered off in the second half after taking a nasty blow to
the head.
Italy had lost the first game of the tour to Samoa and beaten
Tonga in the second match.
Photo: an archive image of Paolo Garbisi.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
