**Italy Secures Back-to-Back Rugby Wins Over Australia with Help from Australian-Born Players**
*UDINE, Italy (AP)* — Italy had never beaten Australia in rugby until 2022. Now, the Azzurri have made it two wins in a row, thanks in part to two players with Australian ties who played key roles in their memorable 26-19 victory on Saturday.
Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane were the try-scorers for Italy. Lynagh, born in Italy, is the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, while Melbourne-born Ioane is the nephew of former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane. Their tries came after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii received a yellow card for the visitors.
Before their first win three years ago, Italy had lost 20 matches against Australia. This recent victory cements Italy’s rising prowess in the sport.
The Wallabies kicked off their overseas tour with a gritty 19-15 win over Japan, followed by a 25-7 loss to England at Twickenham last weekend.
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The match began with Italy taking an early lead. Paolo Garbisi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a penalty after an Australian infringement. He quickly extended the lead four minutes later with another successful kick from a scrum penalty.
Australia improved after a sluggish start and was eventually rewarded in the 21st minute when Matt Faessler powered over the try line from a driving maul. However, Andrew Kellaway missed the conversion, his attempt going wide of the right post.
Australia took the lead in the 31st minute after sustained pressure, with Angus Bell forcing his way over the line just to the left of the posts. Kellaway successfully added the extras.
Italy stayed close, with Garbisi kicking a penalty just before halftime after the Wallabies were penalized inside their half, narrowing the gap to three points.
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Just after the break, Garbisi leveled the score again with another penalty following another Australian infringement. Shortly afterward, Carter Gordon marked his first Wallabies appearance in two years by scoring a try. He capitalized on a loose ball after Harry Wilson lost it in a tackle, evading defenders before grounding the ball. The TMO reviewed the play and confirmed there was no handling error. Kellaway converted the try.
However, the match’s momentum shifted in the 58th minute. Lynagh scored a crucial try in the right corner following sustained pressure by Italy. Suaalii’s yellow card for a high tackle on Garbisi during the buildup put Australia at a disadvantage, and Garbisi confidently added the extras.
Italy capitalized on the numerical advantage. They worked their way into the corner before passing the ball to Australian-born winger Monty Ioane, who scored by grounding the ball decisively. Garbisi converted once again, sealing Italy’s victory.
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Italy’s back-to-back victories over Australia mark a significant milestone and highlight the impact of players with Australian heritage on their success.
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