Italy’s win over France on the weekend, by a nerve-jangling 22-21, is one of the biggest shocks in the history of Test rugby.
Not since the 1951 game between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield has there been such a sensation in this tournament. In a dismal period of Scottish rugby history, Grand Slam holders Wales went north packed with Lions, only for Scotland to win 19-0. But that did not compare with this Six Nations stunner in Stadio Flaminio, Rome. The glorious comeback against the reigning Grand Slam champions, sealed by a late penalty from the boot of Mirco Bergamasco, nudged Italy further towards the top table of world rugby.
This was the Azzurri’s 59th match in the championship and only their eighth win. They had to fight back from an 18-6 deficit early in the second half. Andrea Masi’s try approaching the hour, Bergamasco’s conversion, then two Bergamasco penalties brought the underdogs within kicking distance of glory at 21-19. Then, in the 75th minute, when France conceded another penalty near the touchline, Bergamasco stepped up and nailed the tournament’s biggest upset.
Italy’s coach, the South African Nick Mallett, said: “We played today against a good French team who have reached two World Cup finals and have always thrashed Italy, really, so it’s a huge achievement.” Mallett had said before the match: “We are still not as good as the other teams but we are going to cause them as much inconvenience as possible.” They caused France not only inconvenience but humiliation. It was Italy’s first victory over France in the tournament; only Ireland and England have not lost to them.
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