Itallian back row shine as Canada squander chances

Itallian back row shine as Canada squander chances

Italy and Canada had the misfortune of following the greatest game of the tournament so far. However, they didn’t struggle or languish instead serving up a great game in which the very cliche of the score not representing the balance of play summed up the occasion. Canada created opportunity however the ball often went to ground. 

However it was the hard carrying of Polledri, Steyn and Negri that opened the game and allowed Italy to prosper. Throughout the game they dominated. Polledri alone racking up14 defenders beaten. This wondrous performance from Polledri was matched by Steyn who notched a try and 5 defenders a beaten, a tally matched by Negri.

However, while it is important to show their gravity and prowess using statistics, their involvements also garnered momentum and were more integral than simple numbers. The  Bellini try cam from 3 specific interactions from Negri and Polledri. Polledri took the ball, from Negri, off phase 1 following a kick from Canada. Able to run a slight arc he targeted the space. Then he accelerates with Negri realigning as Polledri plays to Allan. This means that Negri becomes the first receiver. From this Negri is able to pick a perfect pass and split canada and one which allows Bellini to accelerate and score. 

But let us examine Negri and Polledris direct involvements in the play. By receiving a second receiver, it gives Polledri an open the shoulder and allows him to exploit the space. If he stands at first he can be cut down as the Canadian defence is tight, following a kick chase at the end game.

The movement also showed Negri’s integral role to Italy’s attack. It shows a real development no being able to play with a forward at first receiver. The high quality rugby and the decision making of Negri plays a key role in the Itallian attack. IN this passage he plays First receiver twice. His first decision to free Polledri and then keep working to get on his outside to Allan can fill in on the inside is integral to the flow of Italy.

From the calmness of Negri, Polledri is able to rampage up the field leaving a few Canadians in his wake. As he approached Ciarn Hearn he has a decision, either to pass or hold the ball. Polledri backs himself, rounds and accelerates from Ciarn Hearn who had created a dog leg in the Canadian defence. This confidence allows Polledri to begin to pull away from hearn. IT also gives forward momentum to Allan. His next decision to cut towards Allan keeps the move alive. While it might seem counter productive to run away from the space and towards the defender it  forces the full back to turn in. Following this he then gives a pass to Allan. While this causes the attack to slow slightly it means Polledri can clear the ruck, allowing fast ball for back row partner Negri.

Negri’s work rate has enabled him to set up as the lead man and he begins to take control. He communicates directly with the scrum half. And his pure physical size keeps Canada honest especially after Polledri’s physical carry. This means that Negri can run forward and take advantage of space, drawing out the canadian defence.

The decision of the Canadian winger to rush and shut down the option is down to a lack of communication and leaves Canada exposed an opportunity Negri is more than happy to take. The calmness and control from Negri could not be in more of a contrast than that of Canada. Canada created opportunities from which it was possible to possibly create 3 or four tries. None more clear than Ardon’s break with the final pass going to ground early in the first half.

As Ardon, the Canadian captain, break the line following a disjointed defence due to the presence of multiple poptions. He makes the break and begins to accelerate towards the full back. He even opens up more space, like Polledri running at a specific shoulder of the Full Back.

Ardon however decides to seek contact before passing. He goes to offload killing Heaton’s momentum in the middle. This is inexcusable with a 3 on 1 being wasted due to Ardons carry with his offload going to ground. Even had there been another defender covering, by passing early to heaton it would have created a more fluid movement and allowed Canada to score but his carry instead of making the chance early by preventing the Full Back repositioning kills the Canadian attack and creates added difficulty.

The amount of chances wasted by anda including the one above was the tone of the game. It meant that the score looked like a walk over but Canada could have been a lot closer had it not been for the errors. But it was the Italians backrow which allowed them to prosper. Creating and supporting opportunities and giving Italy opportunities for progression leaving their 22m 47% of the time. Interestingly Canada progressed from their defensive half a a rate of 92.1% showing just how much the errors damaged their chances in a game, they were targeting.