The Wallabies bounced back from Twickenham disappointment with a 50-20 seven-try mauling of Italy at the Stadio Olympico. Wing Nick Cummins scored twice as the tourists found their feet to make sure that Italy remained winless against them.
Italy started well with a try to Luke Mclean, but the Wallabies came back strong and put in a good performance ahead of their meeting with Ireland in Dublin next weekend.
“It was a really good scoreboard for us, particularly being 10-0 down – the guys worked through that and even in the end there we showed some character,” said Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie.
“We showed some potency in attack and worked hard through the game to score those points. So there was consistency there, and we had to work hard in defence at different times.”
Cummins scored his first try just after half an hour, contributing to a 19-10 halftime lead.
In the end Italy scored a late consolation try via new cap, former Springbok and Scotland hooker John Allan’s nephew, Tommy Allan, who made his debut for his country of birth.
“After the first half, or at least the first 30 minutes, I saw some quality play from Italy. But we gave away errors cheaply and at the end of the day our defence certainly wasn’t up to the job,” said Italy coach Jaques Brunel, who lamented the hosts’ defensive effort.
Italy host Fiji next weekend, while the Wallabies head to Dublin to face Ireland.
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