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Andrea Masi of Italy (C) during the international rugby test match between Italy and Australia at Artemio Franchi on November 24, 2012 in Florence, Italy.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe)
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Wallabies deny gallant Italians but only after penalty kick misses by centimetres.
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THE Wallabies escaped a humbling draw with Italy by mere centimetres this morning after surrendering a huge halftime lead in Florence.
After the Wallabies had cruised to a 22-6 lead at the break, Italy stormed back into the game courtesy of Australian mistakes, and the hosts clawed their way to within three after piling on 13 unanswered points in the second half.
Giovanbattista Venditti (R) of Italy and Ben Tupuai of Australia in action.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Dino Panato/Getty Images Europe)
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Adam Ashley Cooper (L) of Australia is tackled by Edoardo Gori.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Dino Panato/Getty Images Europe)
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Australia put in a below par performance before claiming an unconvincing 22-19 victory over Italy in Florence on Saturday.
It was a game of two halves for the Wallabies who dominated during the first 40 and held a deserved 22-6 lead at the break.
After Australia's early dominance, the roles were completely reversed in the second half with Italy dominating in most facets.
They put the visitors under huge pressure in the set-pieces and were camped inside the Wallabies' 22 for long periods. To their credit the Wallabies' defence held firm and they kept several Italian surges towards their try-line at bay with courageous first-time tackles.
Luciano Orquera of Italy (C) runs with the ball during the international rugby test match between Italy and Australia at Artemio Franchi on November 24, 2012 in Florence, Italy.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe)
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Nathan Sharpe (R) of Australia is tackled by Martin Castrogiovanni (L) of Italy.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Dino Panato/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
Wales v Australia
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