Match Report: Italy 0-19 Scotland

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 28: Rachel McLachlan of Scotland being tackled by Aura Muzzo of Italy during the WXV 2 2024 match between Italy v Scotland at DHL Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Rynners - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The opening exchanges were rather chaotic, as both sides were eager to impress with their attacking abilities before the weather gradually deteriorated.

Emma Orr made her presence known quickly, ending Italy’s initial attacking platform in the first two minutes with an exceptional low, touch-finding tackle on Francesca Granzotto. Scotland’s first line out of the match was perfectly executed, landing with Fi McIntosh before finding Meryl Smith and Evie Gallagher, who made it easy work to trundle Scotland into the Italian 22.

A series of penalties conceded by Italy for not rolling away gave Scotland further advantage. Scotland opted on both occasions to showcase the power in their scrum, however, Italy were able to turn the ball over at the breakdown on the second set such set piece, snuffing out hopes for an early score.

Scotland were then forced to spend some time defending as Italy looked to test their patience, but held firm and were swiftly able to attack again themselves, taking play from the depths of the red zone into the opposition 22 with some outstanding attacking play with Chloe Rollie and Coreen Grant displaying the threat they each possess.

Just as Scotland pressed closer to the try line, Anne Young found herself at the end of a penalty, called for not releasing. With 20 minutes on the clock, the game remained scoreless.

In the 23^rd minute, Italy’s Beatrice Rigoni was afforded a chance at goal from 30 metres out. Despite a clear shot in front of the sticks, her kick went wide and still, we waited for points.

Scotland were eager to turn things around, and just as they began to, Italy’s Aura Muzzo was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the 25^th minute.

With the player advantage, Scotland turned up a gear with Orr delivering a bullet pass wide to Rollie, who danced across the whitewash for the opening score. Helen Nelson added the extras and finally, Scotland’s WXV 2 campaign was off and running [0-7, 28 mins].

Keen to continue momentum, Scotland were quick to go again. Nelson had the vision to attempt and execute a lovely 50:22. With space out right, the stand-off chipped a perfect kick over the Italy defence, but the wet and wild conditions of Cape Town forced Grant to fumble.

Just ahead of the clock turning red, Scotland had a final chance to strike with a line-out on the Italian 5 metre line. A textbook execution from the forwards allowed Lana Skeldon to join at the back and dot down for her 18^th Scotland try. Nelson made light of the touchline conversion and the first half closed with a healthy lead.

Half-time: Italy 0 – 14 Scotland

As the conditions in Cape Town continued to worsen, with the rain streaming and winds blowing, it became increasingly difficult for either side to take hold of the game as proceedings got back underway at the DHL Stadium.

The first 15 minutes of the second half saw a series of changes made, with Alex Stewart replacing Rachel McLachlan (who was later able to return to the fray in the 60^th minute), who was removed for an HIA; experienced Lisa Thomson was brought on for Meryl Smith; Elliann Clarke replaced Christine Belisle and Louise McMillan was brought on to take over from Fi McIntosh.

Whilst the fresh legs certainly helped to propel Scotland forward, it continued to be difficult for either team to catch a break as the rain continued to hose down in Cape Town.

But Scotland continued to apply the pressure to their opposition around the breakdown with Evie Gallagher, later named Player of the Match, showcasing her defensive worth on several occasions.

Italy’s toil was each time punished with a knock-on or a fumble, and excellent game management, in particular from Nelson, allowed Scotland to clear their lines when the need arose.

With the game petering out and the result long since certain, Coreen Grant popped up to ease over for a third Scotland try to add five more to a points tally that in such a competition, could prove telling later down the line.

Full-time: Italy 0 – 19 Scotland

Italy: Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Aura Muzzo, Sara Mannini, Beatrice Rigoni, Francesca Granzotto, Emma Stevanin, Sofia Stefan, Elisa Giordano, Beatrice Veronese, Ilaria Arrighetti, Giordana Duca, Sara Tounesi, Sara Seye, Laura Gurioli, Emanuela Stecca.

Replacements: Vittoria Vecchini, Gaia Maris, Vittoria Zanette, Alessandra Frangipani, Francesca Sgorbini, Sofia Catellani, Michela Sillari, Beatrice Capomaggi.

Scotland: Chloe Rollie (Ealing Trailfinders), Coreen Grant (Saracens), Emma Orr, Meryl Smith – (both Bristol Bears), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers); Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Caity Mattinson (Ealing Trailfinders); Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Fi McIntosh (Saracens), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm – captain (Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears).

Replacements: Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning) (for Skeldon, 65 mins), Lisa Cockburn  (Gloucester-Hartpury) (for Young, 65 mins)  Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears) (for Belisle, 45 mins) Louise McMillan (Saracens) (for McIntosh, 55 mins) Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars) (for McLachlan, 48 mins) Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers) (for Mattinson, 73 mins), Lisa Thomson (Ealing Trailfinders) (for Smith, 45 mins) Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury) (for Rollie, 70 mins).

Referee: Amelia Luciano (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Precious Pazani (ZIM)
Assistant Referee 2: Host Union appt
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)
FPRO: Estelle Whaiapu (NZR)

Mastercard Player of the Match: Evie Gallagher (Scotland)