PARIS, 19 September - IRB Rugby World Cup newcomers Portugal put up a spirited defence but just couldn't overcome a more experienced Italy at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, losing the Pool C encounter 31-5.
Portugal almost spoilt Italy scrum half Alessandro Troncon's 100th Test match by playing exciting and entertaining rugby, much to the delight of their passionate supporters in the stadium.
The amateur side, ranked 22nd in the world in comparison to the ninth position of their opponents, came on to the field with revenge in mind after Italy had defeated them 83-0 in the qualifying stages of RWC 2007 in 2006.
Troncon, who became the eighth player to play 100 international matches, was outshone on the night by his Portugese counterpart José Pinto, who drove his side around the field like a Test veteran. Pinto was named man of the match for his efforts.
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier (FRA) said his side need to improve before they face Scotland, which will decide who makes it through to the quarter-finals from Pool C with favourites New Zealand expected to finish top.
"I've seen a very good Portugal team and I have to congratulate them on the match they played," Berbizier said.
Portugal captain Vasco Uva and his back row partners Tiago Girão and João Uva led the charge with their ferocious defence and dogged play all over the pitch.
However their team could not match their professional opponents' experience when it came to the set pieces, and Italy dominated the scrums and line-outs. The score only widened though with two Italian tries in the last 10 minutes.
An intelligent kicking game from Portugal, who maintained their record of having scored a try in each of their RWC matches, turned the Italians around on many occasions and the Azzurri did not help their cause with a number of unforced errors.
Both teams have one remaining match in the pool phase of the competition with Portugal meeting Romania in Toulouse on 25 September and Italy facing a do-or-die match against Scotland in Saint-Etienne on 29 September.
RNS dm/pr/kb
