BRISBANE, Australia (AP) Australia rallied for two late tries in an unconvincing and error-filled 40-27 rugby test win Saturday over Italy at Suncorp Stadium.
It extended Australia’s perfect record against Italy to 17 consecutive victories. Their last match in Brisbane in 1994 was a close win for the home side – 23-20 at Ballymore.
The home side, leading 21-13 at halftime, looked to be coasting to victory when Sefa Naivalu scored his second try early in the second half for a 15-point lead.
But two Italy tries, both coming directly from Wallaby mistakes, reduced the margin to just one point, and a yellow card to replacement prop Toby Smith put the visitors in the hunt for their first win against Australia.