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Scotland flanker Alasdair Strockosch crashed over the try-line
after the final hooter to secure a dramatic 30-29 victory over
Italy at Loftus Versfeld today.
The try provided a simple conversion chance for Greig Laidlaw to
clinch a first win for Scotland in the final game of their
three-match tour of South Africa. They lost to Samoa and the
Springboks.
Italy dominated the match at scrum time, forcing a penalty try
from one set-piece to go with an early score from winger Leonardo
Sarto.
Scotland ran the ball well in the opening half and scored tries
through Matt Scott and Sean Lamont before snatching victory at the
death.
The Italians made a fast start and scored the opening try from
the kickoff when left-wing Sarto ghosted through a gap in the
Scottish line to touch down 50 seconds into his Test debut.
It was an open start and Scotland’s reply was almost instant,
lock Tim Swinson finding generous space in the Italian line and his
break allowed Scott to score.
Italy were architects of their own downfall for the Scots’
second try as they had the opportunity to clear a ball chipped
towards their goal-line, but Gio Venditti inexplicably tried to run
the ball out.
When he coughed it up in the tackle, it provided a simple chance
for Lamont to touch down under the posts.
Much had been spoken of how crucial the scrums would be in this
match and it was obvious from the start that the Italians had the
upper hand.
After giving up two scrum penalties in succession five metres
from their own line, when Italy provided more pressure at the third
attempt, the Scottish pack collapsed and referee Leighton Hodges
awarded the penalty try.
The teams traded penalties after that and went into the break
locked at 20-20.
The second half became a place-kicking duel with Italian
five-eighth Alberto di Bernardo slotting three attempts at goal to
end the match with 19 points and put Italy 29-23 ahead with 80
minutes showing on the clock.
But Strockosch collected the ball 15 metres out and after Italy
number eight Sergio Parisse had dashed out to try intercept the
pass, he broke through a hole in the defensive line to score.
Last-gasp Strockosch try seals Scotland win over Italy
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