Italy Scare Wales
The Azzurri ran Wales much closer than expected in Cardiff, coming within striking distance before a late Leigh Halfpenny penalty goal sealed the win.
Match Preview – Wales vs Italy
The Azzurri have the honour of welcoming the defending champions back the party, but they probably won’t be feeling too lucky come full time.
6N Preview – Italy
Nobody expected Italy to challenge the top of the table when they joined the competition in 2000, but the Azzurri faithful were probably hoping for at least a third place finish within a decade or so.
Team of the Week
Another whopping set of games had to be digested, but finally the team of the week is here. As usual there are some obvious ones and maybe a couple surprises.
Sanchez Outkicks Allan In Rome
The Pumas ended their year on a win over the Azzurri in a terrible match at the Stadio Olimpico, with both sides happier kicking the ball instead of passing it.
Match Preview – Italy vs Argentina
Argentina have won six of the last seven matches against Italy, and claimed the spoils in both previous tests in Rome. Can Italy build on their sloppy win over Fiji?
Fiji see yellow in Cremona
What should have been a celebration of excellent rugby was instead an ugly spectacle marred by six yellow cards – five to Fiji – and a ridiculous penalty count against the visitors.
Match Preview – Italy vs Fiji
The two evenly matched sides will go head to head in the first international to be held at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in scenic Cremona. Who will come away victorious?
Bits & Pieces
A review of the debutants from the weekend’s action, a new record for King Richie, and a multitude of squad changes ahead of this week. Hold on to your hats!
This & That
Some musings from around the rugby world about odd selections, replacements, anthems, hakas, uniforms, dual cards, and a certain punch-up involving a couple Tier 2 nations somewhere in eastern Europe.