Mauro Bergamasco scored a dramatic late try as Italy beat Wales 23-20 in Rome on Saturday to record an unprecedented second win in a Six Nations campaign.
However, the match ended in controversy when the full-time whistle blew just after Wales had declined an opportunity to kick what could have been a score-levelling penalty.
Instead they went for touch, hoping to win the game from there, but referee Chris White ended the match before play could resume.
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins was fuming with referee White.
”We were quite clearly told we had time to play,” he said.
Welsh winger Shane Williams, who scored one of his team’s two tries, was equally dumbfounded by the decision.
”We asked the referee how long was left and he said 10 seconds and we told him we were kicking to touch. He said OK,” said Williams.
”You can tell by our faces that we are gutted, but we can’t complain — that’s rugby. Italy played really well.”
Jenkins saw some positives despite Wales’s fourth straight defeat in the tournament.
”We could end up bottom of the group, but we shouldn’t despair,” he said.
”There is good rugby in us, and there is a great desire to turn things around. We’re all down now, but by Monday we will have our heads on, ready to face England.
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier saluted his injury hit squad for grinding out the victory.
”It wasn’t a great game of rugby, but it was very emotional,” said the Frenchman.
”The victory came from the hearts of the players. We had some difficulty at the start of the second half, but the players gave everything right up to the end, and we finished the stronger team.
”We have had a lot of injuries, but all those who have come in have played their part. Collective spirit drove us to victory.” — AFP
