At Rugby World Cup 2011, the Wallabies have begun their campaign with a strong 32-6 win over Italy in Auckland, thanks to Quade Cooper’s impressive play in their Pool C opener.
With the teams level at 6-6 at halftime in a spirited match, Cooper, New Zealand’s ‘Public Enemy No. 1’, created three of Australia’s four tries despite the slippery conditions at North Harbour Stadium.
This bonus-point victory over a tough opponent, who previously defeated France in this year’s Tri Nations, marked the confident start to Rugby World Cup 2011 that Australia was hoping for.
Cooper shone throughout the match, dazzling spectators with his exceptional footwork and delivering three key plays that effectively diminished Italy’s challenge after a strong first 50 minutes.
Returning from a suspension after missing the announcement of Australia’s World Cup squad for sleeping through it, goalkicking winger James O’Connor also impressed, enhancing his highlight reel against the Azzurri.
Three years ago, O’Connor made his Test debut against Italy in Padova, scoring three tries in his first Test start the next year.
On Sunday, O’Connor was close to scoring on his first touch of the ball after coming on in the 48th minute.
Following O’Connor’s near miss, prop Ben Alexander scored Australia’s first try of the tournament from the next phase, but O’Connor quickly followed suit, crossing over nine minutes later after trailing Cooper inside.
O’Connor also took over the goalkicking responsibilities, finishing the match with a personal score of 11 points, including his try and three successful conversions out of four attempts.
Both wingers, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Digby Ioane, capitalized on Cooper’s exquisite short passing, each contributing tries as the Wallabies showcased their skills in the last half hour.
The Australian forwards excelled, with captain James Horwill earning man of the match honors, while his second-row partner Dan Vickerman also delivered a commanding performance, alongside No.8 Radike Samo.
In the front row, Alexander, Sekope Kepu, and hooker Stephen Moore dominated their Italian counterparts, while Rocky Elsom and David Pocock were as industrious as usual.
As the game kicked off, rain poured down, creating slippery conditions, but it soon cleared, allowing sunshine to break through.
From the very beginning, Cooper was in the thick of the action.
He faced a chorus of boos every time he attempted a penalty, with the non-Australian fans cheering when he missed his first penalty in the fourth minute.
Nevertheless, he kept his cool and successfully converted two penalties in the 19th and 29th minutes to put Australia ahead 6-0.
Cooper also prevented a try through a desperate defensive effort after Italian fullback Andrea Masi threatened to capitalize on a clever kick from five-eighth Luciano Orquera.
Cooper’s teammates often express uncertainty about what their playmaker will do next, and indeed, the unpredictable No. 10 was penalized for obstruction after a twisting 40-meter run.
While attempting to support Cooper, center Anthony Faingaa accidentally blocked an Italian defender, unsure which line to take.
Two successful penalty goals from winger Mirco Bergamasco in the final two minutes of the half leveled the scores, with Cooper being slightly unfairly penalized for not releasing the ball after further defensive work at the back.
However, he made amends after the break, as the Wallabies took control in the second half.
“We didn’t help ourselves in the first half. We were a little bit impatient and wanting that to come and overplayed our hand in the way we attacked,” stated Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
“In the second half, we adjusted our attack effectively, allowing us to apply more pressure, and the Italians began to struggle.”
Italy coach Nick Mallett acknowledged Australia’s superiority in the second half but expressed satisfaction with how his team contained them for the first 50 minutes.
“When they gain quick front-foot ball, they become particularly tough to defend against,” he explained.
“We had a few chances in the second half, especially when we almost had a push-over try that wasn’t controlled at the back of the scrum, but overall, I’m quite pleased.”
by Buford Balony
