CARDIFF -- Wales survived a second-half fightback by Italy to launch the defence
of its Six Nations title with an unconvincing 23-15 win at Millennium Stadium on
Saturday.
Dan Bailey Jersey . First-half tries by Alex
Cuthbert and Scott Williams combined with flawless kicking by Leigh Halfpenny to
give the Welsh a 17-3 lead at the break. Unlucky to be so far behind, Italy
dominated the second half, with Michele Campagnaro scoring two tries to leave
his team just five points behind with 11 minutes left. However, another penalty
by Halfpenny ensured Wales preserved its unbeaten home record against the
Italians and saw the fullback finish the match with a personal haul of 13
points. "It will focus the minds for next week," said Wales coach Warren
Gatland, referring to Saturdays match in Ireland. "It wasnt an easy run-out --
it was tough, which was the way we wanted it." The Welsh are seeking an
unprecedented third straight title since the tournament expanded in 2000, and
have been installed as favourites by most pundits and bookmakers. Yet they were
given a real scare by Italy, and with the score at 20-15 after Campagnaros
second try, there was a real danger that Wales would lose its opening match --
like it did last year to Ireland. In the end, Wales limped to victory and there
were muted celebrations by the players after the final whistle. "We certainly
made it hard for ourselves," Wales centre Jamie Roberts said. "We have to
tighten up those mistakes in our game. If we dont, then well lose against
Ireland." It had all looked so different after just four minutes, when covering
winger Angelo Esposito failed to gather a grubber kick by Wales flyhalf Rhys
Priestland. The ball slithered through into the in-goal area and the inrushing
Cuthbert had the simple task of collecting and diving over for a try that was
converted by Halfpenny. The Italians didnt buckle, though. And after Allan and
Halfpenny traded penalties to leave the score 10-3 after 29 minutes, Sergio
Parisse was denied a try in the 35th by the video referee, who adjudged the
Italy captain to have knocked on as he challenged for a high ball with George
North. Somewhat against the run of play, Wales scored its second try three
minutes later when Roberts broke a tackle in midfield before passing inside to
centre partner Williams, who cantered over to ground near the posts. Italys
comeback was launched in the 43rd, though, when Campagnaro chased down Leonardo
Sartos smart kick down the line and dived over just before the ball went dead.
Crucially, Allan missed the conversion, then a penalty in the 50th. Halfpenny
booted another penalty in the 67th but blotted his performance by sending over a
floated pass that was intercepted by Campagnaro, who raced clear from inside his
own half to dive over. Italy couldnt complete the recovery, and remains with
just one away win in the Six Nations -- at Scotland. "As a captain, I am very
proud of what the youngsters achieved today," Parisse said. "They were facing
some of the most talented backs on the international stage, but they showed they
can compete at this level."
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. LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot
injury and ready to be put on St.WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest coach Jim
Grobe is resigning after 13 seasons at the school. Grobe made the announcement
Monday during a news conference, saying "I just really feel right now, its
probably good for the program to have some new energy, some new direction." The
61-year-old Grobe finishes with a career record of 110-115-1 in a combined 19
years at Wake Forest and Ohio. He was 77-82 wwith the Demon Deacons and shares
the program record for coaching victories with D.
Amobi Okoye Jersey. C. "Peahead" Walker. The
unquestioned highlight of Grobes career came in 2006. He was named the AP
national coach of the year after leading Wake Forest to its first Atlantic Coast
Conference championship since 1970, winning a school-record 11 victories and
earning a berth in the Orange Bowl.
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