SYDNEY (Reuters) – Samoa opened the July international window with a 33-25 win over Italy in steamy Apia on Friday, rallying from a 10-point deficit in the second half to hand the Azurri a first loss since their defeat by Ireland in February.
A strong Italy side led 18-12 at halftime after tries from wingers Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh, whose brother Tom could make his debut for Australia against Wales on Saturday.
Paolo Garbisi had converted one try and kicked two penalties before the break and it was the flyhalf who extended the lead to 25-15 with a converted try six minutes into the second half.
The Samoans, under new coach Mahonri Schwalger, had tries before halftime from flanker Murphy Taramai and winger Nigel Ah Wong, one of eight Moana Pasifika players in the side.
Flyhalf D’Angelo Leuila kicked a second penalty soon after Garbisi crossed and a converted try from centre Danny Toala on the hour mark levelled the scores at 25-25.
Italy battled for the winning score despite the sweltering heat but it was the Samoans who came up with it in the 76th minute, replacement back Afa Moleli racing onto an offload from hooker Sama Malolo to touch down.
It was a sixth win for Samoa over Italy, the most against any tier one nation, and ended a strong run of form for the Italians, who finished the Six Nations with a draw against France and wins over Scotland and Wales.
Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy move on to play Tonga and Japan on their tour, while Samoa welcome Spain to Apia Park next week.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
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