Tuqiri bags four as Wallabies crush Italy

The Australian Wallabies have crushed the spirits of Italy with a convincing 48-point victory this afternoon at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

The Italians entered the match hoping for a decent showing after narrowly defeating Argentina last weekend. During the week the Australians spoke about being ruthless towards their opposition no matter who they played. In this game they lived up to that promise.

Conditions, despite the roof being closed, were hazardous under-foot with many players slipping over. Stirling Mortlock was unlucky not to have his name on the scoresheet after falling over in the first half with the try-line near.

Winger Lote Tuqiri added a further four tries to his already impressive Test tally, which now reads 19 from 27 matches. Inside-centre Matt Giteau, though, claimed back-to-back man of the match awards with several try-assists, while grabbing one himself during the first half. He also managed to knock over six conversions.

It took eight minutes for the first try to Wallaby captain George Gregan, Giteau and new-boy Mark Chisholm followed suit. Tuqiri's double in as many minutes saw the score out to 31-0.

Melbourne raised Rocky Elsom was binned for 10 minutes after a dangerous line-out tackle on Cristian Bezzi, while he was off the Azzurri hit back with a try each side of half-time. Andrea Lo Cicero, loose-head prop, burrowed under the driving maul for their first. Full-back Mat Rogers replied on the siren for the Wallabies, who led 38-7 at the major break.

With Elsom still in the bin the Italians used some flare and with an unexpected kick downfield caught the Australians napping. From the ensuing line-out Azzurri winger Antonio Mannato charged over, and four minutes later flanker Mauro Bergmasco pushed aside Wendell Sailor for their third try. Former South African Gert Peens converted and Italy trailed by only 22.

The Wallabies slammed on the last four tries, Tuqiri closed out the game with another double in the historic 11-try romp at the Southern capital. Both sides racked up high scores against each other, though the Australians are bound to take more pleasure from the feat.

Next week, the Wallabies travel north to Brisbane where they tackle France, an opponent that will surely challenge them in all areas of the game - ahead of confronting the All Blacks and Springboks.

AUSTRALIA	69
Tries: Lote Tuqiri 4, George Gregan, Matt Giteau, Mark Chisholm, Wendell Sailor, Mat Rogers, David Lyons, Jeremy Paul. Conversions: Matt Giteau 6, Stirling Mortlock. Penalties: nil.
ITALY	21
Tries: Andrea Lo Cicero, Antonio Mannato, Mauro Bergamasco. Conversions: Gert Peens 3. Penalties: nil.
@ the Telstra Dome, Melbourne.   Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)   Crowd: 26,520 Weather: Sunny, Roof Closed.   Surface: Slippery.   Half Time: Australia 43-7.