By Simon McIntyre

Italy's hopes of claiming the Division B crown remain intact after recording a dramatic 8-6 victory over Tonga at Queens to remain unbeaten in the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007. Trailing 6-3 entering injury time of a tense, but thrilling encounter, it appeared as though Italy would miss out on the all important top four position and a shot at the title. But with seconds remaining fly half Riccardo Bocchino squeezed over for a try in the corner that secured the points. The try also ended Tonga's title campaign.

Having entered the match at the top of the standings the defeat means that the Tongans finished the pool stages in fifth and outside the all important semi final places. Although the match was a low scoring affair the vocal supporters were treated to a game of high quality and excitement, which was dominated by the two best defences in the division. After a nervous start by both sides the match settled into a tactical affair with both teams thwarted by some excellent individual cover tackling.

It took until the 17th minute for the deadlock to be broken when the Tongans were awarded a penalty after a period of sustained pressure inside the Italian half. Tongan centre Sione Toke calmly slotted over the penalty to give his side a deserved 3-0 lead.

Strong Italian defence

With confidence boosted Tonga pressed for a further score and came close to the Italian line on several occasions. However, despite enjoying greater possession, Tonga could not find a way through a resolute Italian defence and entered the interval 3-0 ahead. Italy came out of the blocks strongly in the second half, but could not find a way through the Tongan defence. However, the Italians did get some reward for their efforts when prolific fly half Bocchino kicked a penalty to level the match at 3-3. Tonga again took the lead with a second Sione Toke penalty and looked as though they had the match wrapped up entering injury time. However, the Italians threw everything at the Tongan defence in the dying moments and launched a series of attacks inside the Tonga 22. Strong forward play helped Italy gain vital yards and with the last play of the game scrum half Luca Martinelli threw a beautiful pass out Bocchino who stepped inside two defenders to score the try that won the match and secured them top place in Division B.

Quotes

Italy flanker Alex Leo: "Words just can't describe it. It was a brilliant game. We gave everything we've got, and we live to fight another day. We've trained long and hard and I think we deserve it."

Italy head coach Stefano Romagnoli: "The team was hard and aggressive and the match was very physical. Tonga where very tough but our spirit was important."

Tonga head coach Angus Naupoto: "We're very disappointed, we played well. They have exposure to a higher level of rugby, playing in the Six Nations. We've approached every game like it was a championship game and we will continue to do that."

Tonga captain Richard Kaufusi: "Right now we are disappointed but we enjoyed the game and it was played in good spirit." IRB.com 12/04/07.