In the first test in Longford (Vancouver) ahead of the fall World Cup in New Zealand, the women beat Italy 34-24 (PT 12-12) against Canada. Against the hosts, who will be part of the same group, Neelam made their opponents pay for their physicality and some errors in passing the ball. Five to four goals for the Canadians. Ostuni Minuzzi scored for Italy, Makatti (centre) and forward Tunesi and Giordano. “This match gave us many interesting ideas – said the Italian coach Andrea Di Giandomenico -. First of all, he highlighted the need to quickly learn how to manage possession in our region. Good signals both in defense and attack, however, we cannot ignore bringing home games like this. Lack of precision. We made a complete mistake to start the second half, which was the deciding factor in the recovery. Had the lack of precision not once again played into the hands of the opposition, we could have played the last ball to equalise.

Towards the World Cup

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The match against Canada capped off a week of training in Canada, representing the first time for Italian women’s rugby and allowing the players to familiarize themselves with the time zone change. “The experience gained during these days is certainly invaluable and enriches our baggage for the World Cup,” Di Giancomenico said. The Blues, who have been drawn in Group B in New Zealand, will make their debut on Sunday 9 October 2022 at 12.45 (1.45 am in Italy) against USA in Whangarei, 100km north of Auckland; On Sunday 16 October, 12.45 local time, they will be in the country’s most populous city (Whitecare Stadium) to challenge Canada, while on Sunday 23 October, at the same venue, they will close the group stage against. Japan. Ahead of the World Cup, two more tests against France are scheduled for September: Saturday 3rd in Nice, Friday 9th in Italy (venue to be determined).