Wales v Italy Rugby League World Cup

Everybody saying, go, go, go, and he goes!

Welcome to the Millennium Stadium, welcome back to the Millennium

Stadium if you were watching us on BBC One for England's defeat by

Australia. The second part of the double-header is just moments away,

it is Wales against Italy, kick-off just a couple of minutes away as the

Welsh players go through their final warm-ups in the changing rooms, the

bubbly because the England and Australia players are still making

their way off the field, both sets of players have done a lap of

honour, they are going down the tunnel mouth so the players will be

called out shortly and the teams will be in the tunnel. Al Crabtree

and Jon Wilkin are in the studio with me. When we spoke about

Italy's win over England according to the Australia point of view, this

has just made sure that Wales are not going to be too complacent to? I

think it was a great performance by Italy last week, many people did not

think they had the experience or capability to beat an England side

that have been preparing for three years. Italy did that and I think

one thing that they did was play with such control and experience,

well above the amount of games that they have got in their squad. Wales

will be on their toes as a result. I think the lack of a leader or harp

back, that would be the big challenge for Wales today. Does that

concern you as well from a Wales point of view, a lack of someone to

dictate the play? To a certain degree. What I am excited about is

the structure, a tactical way of playing. They get to set points on

the field. That sort of halfback if you are playing to that system. It

will be fascinating to know what the atmosphere will be like. There are

slightly more empty seats at the moment, maybe some of the England

and Australia fans have left. Whether they stay or not, it felt

quite quiet at times. I think there was a good atmosphere at times.

Everybody was quite nervous, I think they cannot help but be pleased with

the first game. I think a large number of the fans will hang around

to watch the second match, and rightly so. The challenge is to turn

the game around, keep them interested and see if the pitch can

hold up because a lot of guys were slipping in the first game. It is

that a greasy surface, it almost swept the pitch. There are probably

about 20 grams that at the moment with pitchforks working on the

pitch. We heard at half-time the concerns about the players slipping

over. It is a bit of a surprise, it is cutting up around the post. You

could see some of the Australian players getting the mud brushed off

their boots. That is a new level of pampering! It is like a Formula One

pit stop, get the boots cleaned! Most of them wear Blades, you can

choose stud as well, they will have both options? You would like to

think so. They are some of the best bits you can get. But on this

surface I don't think it makes too much of a difference. I have been on

it before, I have been on my backside. You have got to do the

best you can under these conditions. The guys from the southern

hemisphere will very rarely play on a surface like this. The English and

Welsh guys should be well prepared. But it is a challenge for the guys

used to rattling around on the hot bitches in the southern hemisphere

to come up to Wales and play on a good northern hemisphere pitch. We

will take all the advantages we can get I think. In many ways, is there

more on this game then there was on the England Titan Australia game, in

the sense that, from the inward group, three teams will qualify so

he will definitely have a second chance over the course of the

tournament? England might have a harder semifinal draw, if we get

ahead of ourselves, but for the teams in group C and Group D, not

quite a winner takes all state but if you lose the first game you will

be in trouble because only one team gets out of Group C? It feels like

there is a lot more pressure on this game and it is something I have been

excited about. This group does seem so close it will be interesting to

see how the teams go into it. They do look like a really good side,

beating England. What can Wales have two of the? It is a really, really

big game. It seems a lot more important than the groups,

especially the one that England is in. They are coming down the

opposite side of the stadium to where the tunnel is here at the

Millennium Stadium. England Titan Australia went down that side, Italy

and Wales are coming out the other. Do you see this being" macro I think

it well, Wales have got this emotional attachment. They are at

home. There will be a number of Welsh bands in the stadium and it is

a motivating factor. Italy are favourites following the great

result against England, likely keep mentioning. The likes of

Minichiello, a real legend of world rugby. For Wales, we have got Craig

Kopczak, they have Super League experience. I think they are quite

evenly matched across-the-board but I would Italy will just edged in

with the star quality. The bookies have the Italians as the slight

favourites for this second game of the double-header on the BBC this

afternoon. It is time for the anthems. Once again, they will be

sung by Bryn Davies. # Fratelli d'Italia.

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# Iddio la creo. # Fratelli d'Italia.

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# Iddio la creo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo #. Si! # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i

mi. # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri. # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra

mad. # Dros ryddid gollasant EU gwaed.

# Gwlad, gwlad. # Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.

# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau. # O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau #.

# Gwlad, gwlad. # Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.

# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau. # O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau #.

APPLAUSE Goodness me, they belted that out,

didn't they, the Welsh team? Wales against Italy, the second game

this afternoon in the 2013 Rugby World Cup, and, as you may have

heard earlier, for the final time after 32 years on BBC national

television, calling his final live game, it is all about the man on the

left, forget the other two. It is Ray French.

Thank you, Mark. Italy appearing in their first ever World Cup. The

Welsh coast Iestyn Harris includes the Evans twins, Rees and Ben, for

the first time together and what an experienced back, as always.

The Italy coach makes three changes for the starting line-up last week

will watch out for Anthony Minichiello

upfront. The captain therefore Wales, Craig

Kopczak. My word, he certainly sang the national anthem for you, didn't

he? They belted it out, didn't take. I was just commenting on the size of

the Welsh boys. They look a bit bigger than the Italians across the

whole side, so it will be interesting to see how they go.

Ashley Klein, the referee. Rapper read in England and Australia for a

time, London based, figured in the last World Cup in 2008 before going

back to Australia. One of the leading officials out there. All

ready, just waiting for the timekeeper running alongside me to

give him the off. And we are off here at the Millennium Stadium.

Italy have defeated Wales previously a few years ago. In good form after

the warm up game against England. Huge responsibility of the Welsh

halfbacks there because I think Wales have a really good bench

coming off, they can keep the impact going. There are some big boys

coming off the bench, as Jonathan mentioned. We should explain, as

well, none of the former Welsh Rugby Union internationals like yourself,

but a very seasoned rugby league outfit. They have been growing a

team spirit and a culture within the Welsh squad over the years. The

organisational skills of the Welsh side will come through today. The

rugby league in good health in the valleys here, good amateur leagues,

schools, all levels of playing, part-time professional sides in the

North Wales club series. But it is the men in blue, the Azzurri, as

they are known, giving the ball away.

A good, strong burst by Anthony Laffranchi, Sainsbury pass regular

prop forward. -- Saints proved possible regular prop forward.

Some tough lads in this side! They are not missing it to the, are

they? Ben Flower has played really well for Wigan. He will lead from

the front. There was a late tackle there, wasn't there? Off the ball.

Ryan Ghietti. It is Lloyd White. Smashed off the ball. It was the

play previously where he got whacked. There it is. They are

trying to outlaw that in the game. Lloyd White, a Widnes player. He

plays a lot at hooker. He plays at acting halfback quite a lot. As

Brian said, he just needs to guide them around the park little bit. No

penalty for that. The referee did not pay much notice to it. Italy in

possession. Joel Riethmuller. About nine of these lads play down under.

A huge Italian population in Australia. Good movement there. Ten

metres from this Welsh line. A good tackle. Five metres now. A good

off-load and a good tackle. Good start, Wales. A lot of energy, a lot

of enthusiasm. Redshirts turning up to put the fire out and a good

defensive start. I think that set of six will do Wales a lot of good.

They need a good kick. The first four minutes they have been stuck in

their own half. Iestyn Harris extremely interested in the game

there. The former Wales rugby league and rugby union player. Neil

Budworth, in the acting halfback position. A good off-load. Good

defence by the Italians and once again they have not really made

yards. The Italians are soaking it all up. Wales are trying to be a

little bit expensive to get to the fringes. The game has not changed

that much. You have got to establish that dominance around the ruck and

make sure you earn the right to play wide. They were up and they were up

again there. They put the fire out. It has not changed much in the fact

that I thought he was offside. 20 metres from this Welsh line. It is

pressure from Italy. Joel Riethmuller again. But a game good

tackling. Craig Kopczak has put some big hitting. Joel Riethmuller again.

He has decided to go on his own. He had an overlap. They had members on

the left. He has gone again. Unbelievable! A couple of poor

decisions. Almost six minutes gone. No score

yet. A big opportunity missed there because they were so many numbers on

the left-hand side. That is good strong driving from Ben

Flower. I think the two number eights have decided to have their

own personal war here. The bounce is crucial. Can he get to it? It is too

far. This game might be decided by the bounce of the ball.

A tap on the 20 metre line. Let's see how easily the Italians get out

here. They have put in a few big hits on the Welsh boys. James

Tedesco helping out there. A lot of talent in this Italian side. A good

hit their from Tyson Frizell. A good kick, pushing Wales back. A

former Bridgend lad. Good, sensible play here from Wales,

putting the ball away. The good fullbacks just have that

ability to get there quickly and plug it out of the sky. They are

always in the right position at the right time. And that is what

happened. Powerful running here, looking for support, it was not

there, but it is Italy on the attack again. Ten metres from the line.

Here is a chance. Is it down? I think he has got it down. He looks

happy enough. The referee says it is a try. And it is Italy in the lead.

He is hard to stop from their, Aiden Guerra. Once this break was made, it

was a matter of going the right way. They still had members on the right.

He gets to dummy half and he finds his team-mate from the Roosters. He

scored a try in the Grand Final in Australia as well. That was on the

back of two great runs. They were short on the left-hand side earlier

in the game and that was a very good finish. Aidan Quiros. One of the

Grand Final winners down under with the Sydney Roosters. -- aiding

wearer. A very good goalkicker back in the

NRL. A big, powerful man. A difficult kick. No wind or rain with

the roof at the Millennium Stadium. It is a beauty. Straight between. It

never looked like missing. Wales got there in numbers. He is too big and

too strong. He has a terrific reputation for goal-kicking and out

wide. He did not miss a drop goal against England last week either.

They made a good point in the studio. They have got a little bit

more star quality. Anthony Laffranchi, aiding wearer -- aiding

wearer. Anthony Minichiello. They really are

having to contain this side. This acting halfback will be travelling

Wales consistently. Dean Parata. Good running. Can he get away?

Being held back, is he saying? Good strength. He beats one, beats two.

Flopping on, the referee adjudicates. Good running there Rhys

Evans. His brother Ben in the pack. I remember them playing as young

lads in a Challenge Cup final pre-match.

Trying to get this Welsh pack moving forward. Matt Seamark. Rhys Evans

again, coming into good effect. Wales need to hold possession. A

good ball out to Lloyd White. Trying to cut in. No disrespect to Lloyd

White but someone with a bit more pace probably would have taken off.

He has given offside. Players clearly stood in front. They were in

front of Matt Seamark. That was a poor finish to the set. A little bit

of rustiness from the Welsh. You should never be pulled up for

something like that when you are in possession. Wales having to defend

against. They have failed to qualify in the 2008 tournament down under

but qualified for the semifinals in the two previous world cups and you

yourself were in that when, Jonathan, if I remember rightly. But

it is all Italy at the moment. That went wrong. That was what we call

overplaying there. The player was not there. He made the run out of

dummy half and he was trying to expose some space.

Good ball. Well taken. Can he get it out? No, he can't. Good tracking of

the ball by the winger. Craig Kopczak has had a big start to the

game and he is trying to lead by example.

That is dangerous. Has he got hold of it? Yes, I think he has scored! I

think Evans is in. Terrific following up. A little bit fortunate

with the kick. Anthony Minichiello is questioning the referee but he

has passed it upstairs to the referee looking after the video. Is

this a try? I think it is. They are looking for offside. He is onside.

He is not interfering with the ball in any way. That is a try. Good

following up for a second row. Anthony Minichiello, it beats him.

The hands are going down. That is four points. Downward pressure. Even

if there are two hands on the ball, that is a try. He does well to get

underneath him. That is a try, he has got control on that. If you run

that at normal speed, what do you think? That is a try. Even at slow

speed, it is a try. It is a try. The referees are often too fussy. There

it is. Wales, then, back in business. Thanks to that man, number

11, Ben Evans. It was a great kick. Add a great

kick that deflected it. How good is that? He is happy with it, anyway.

That should settle the Welsh nerves. They are in the game, they have both

had a shot at each other. It was a good one, two points. Wales

six, Italy six, all square. Damien down there. On the touchline

we have got caseload, who is suspended for Italy. It is a good

start. Italian league is on a high at the moment. After the win against

England last week, we are pretty confident. Thanks a lot. Wales now

looking a little bit more lively. Bloodworth, originally born in

Wigan, currently plays in Australia. -- Neil Budworth. They are putting

pressure on Minichiello, aren't they? Yes, they are.

A good tackle, he was well met there. Ian Webster coming straight

in. I read an article, Iestyn Harris was thrilled to get Tyson Frizell in

his team. Some impressive shots from him already. The lad is so keen to

play, he paid his own way over 12 months ago.

Both teams are really getting into it over, aren't they? I think there

will be some tired man in the last ten or 15 minutes, that is when we

will see point being given away. Both sides are finding it difficult

to get to their own half, that is a problem. Elliot Kear attempting to

take a break -- to make a break. Most of Wales group of possession

has been in their own half, hasn't it? Just look at that support. Five

Wales defenders making the chase. We are into that period of the game

where we are expecting something to go right or wrong either way, an arm

wrestle the game. It gone back. Oh, he has stolen it!

Has Elliot Kear scored? I am not sure, because when he stole the

ball. . We will have to wait and see. -- when he stole the ball, he

stop. Let's have a look, there is the number 12 with the ball. I think

the ball has left him before the other Wales forward, which is

Flower... Let's see where the ball is . The Italian player had his hand

on the second Welsh to vendor. I think he has taken it. -- the second

Welsh defender. I think it is a try. I will be very surprised. Do you

think no try? That's what I think. I thought he just had it. Well, no

try. Elliot Kear grimaces, but that is tight. Just a little technical

thing but he was in touch with two Welsh players. In the real speed,

you think, that is great play, take it every day of the week. You might

get a tribe that, technically, probably the right call. I think it

is the right call. I disagree. I know, you told me! Let explain that

you can only steal the ball when it is one-on-one. If it is one on two,

three, four, it is a penalty, and that is what they have got. The

Blues, then, in control. That was rather silly. Two penalties

now. Too much pressure, really, Ray. The Welsh have been doing

really, really well, the arm wrestle. And now two penalties.

Wales will have to defend their own line. Gil Dudson coming on, I am

sure he will make a big impact for Wales.

Italy on the attack ten metres from the try-line.

Has he got that down? I don't think so. I think we will go to the video

referee again. I will not argue this time, Brian! I didn't see that as

well, but it is such a dangerous run. He has got great technique. We

will see the video referee's adjudication here. That did look a

little forward. REFEREE: Can we get another shot of

the other end? REFEREE: The ball is still there.

Are there any other angles? REFEREE: There is the ball, that is

a try. Yes, that is a try. Aiden Guerra waiting for the

decision. He is confident it is going to be a try. It is a try. So,

Gera, the Sydney Roosters centre, gets his second try. He certainly

knows how to finish. Again, the left-hand side, twists and turns his

body. However he manages to get it down, the adjudicator saw he got the

ball down. He is clearly a threat that Wales need to talk about in

relation to his running style. I am not sure there wasn't a Welsh hand

underneath that. But whatever level you play at, two penalties, of field

position, it brings so much nervousness to your defence. It put

you in a difficult position in your own 20 metre area. It is the

combination of Minichiello out to go wherever, and he is to powerful. --

out to Aiden Guerra. This is his first conversion.

Another good, powerful strike. That is the way, straight between the

posts, height and accurate. Another two pointer. Italy are in the lead.

We thought it would be close. Just watch. Minichiello, one-on-one will

. All of his momentum is going forward, he can concentrate on

putting the ball down. A good, long kick trying to put a bit of pressure

on the Italians straightaway. He has had some good sniping runs.

Italy will not mess around in this part of the field. They will get a

position where they can kick the which is safe, simple football. I

think all said they might think they have got the speed on the Welsh

boys. Good kicking position. Robbie Hunter is down there.

Something to tell us? I am sitting amongst both of the teams' reserves.

The energy from the Welsh camp has lifted. The Italians just scored but

the energy, they started off the game a bit shell-shocked, the Welsh

players, with the outcome against England but as they got into the

game they realised they have a good chance in this game, the players

started getting off the bench, started running about and the energy

of the team is lifting at this point in time. They have a lot of

experienced on the bench, as well. Wales, then, looking for points.

They trailed 12 points to fix. -- they trail 12 points to sit.

The problem for Wales, lads, they cannot get out of their own half,

they cannot sustain 12, 13 tackles. I just feel they shouldn't try to

find a way to get out of the hole like this because it sometimes leads

to errors. You put yourself under too much pressure. As the Italians

are doing, they are prepared to rock out, dummy half runs, kick the ball.

That is what they are to, you. -- what they are doing. Picked up by

Mantellato but well met by Frizell, the number 12.

James Tedesco, number three, grappling away. Mark Minichiello,

the younger brother of Anthony, plays for the Gold Coast. Get into

field position and kick. A simple game, isn't it?

A lot of defence being done by Wales, this could tell in the second

half. That was well taken, it was a good

defensive set by Wales. Italy moving in very quick off the

defensive line. I think it is a feature of what they did,

particularly last week when I watch them. They were prepared to back

themselves defensively, move forward when they could, and when they had

opportunities they took them. As we have seen today, they had two

opportunities and took them both. A long kick downfield but a man in the

position at the right time. Minichiello brings it away. His

survival technique over the years, lifting his forearm, that is years

of playing at the highest level. He knows how to protect himself. I

think that was one-on-one, wasn't it? That is definitely one-on-one.

It is offside. It has gone forward. I can't think of any other penalty.

I think it is a poor decision. Whatever it is for, it is a penalty

to Italy. The Italian coach had some

experience with Salford before moving across to Australia. Good

short passing from Raymond Nasso. Good movement from Italy. They are

moving this ball out. A lot of pressure on this Welsh line. Offside

again. No, a high tackle this time. They are going to go for goal here.

He is going for goal here. I think it was before that. If that is a

high tackle, it is very harsh, because he slid upwards. I think it

is a late tackle. I must confess, Italy are taking this goal, it just

pushes them out, Wales have got to score twice. England, in that game

this afternoon, they did not take penalty goals. I think there is a

lack of taking penalty goals amongst the modern players. Well, not now.

They are taking your advice. You don't see it. Just to put a

perspective on that, this player does not miss many cakes. The

balance of the game and England particularly did not. I think there

were errors in the middle of the field which cost England in the

end. It is whether you think the opposition are crumbling and

cracking defensively. I just think mentally, if you keep popping two

points over, mentally it gets to the opposition because suddenly you are

pulling away. Most of the time these days, they think they have got the

momentum. Italy again looking very confident.

The coach has really put a draft of Interchange players on. There is

another one. They just look a little bit sharper. They are quicker at the

play of the ball and then they go to their go to players and that is the

difference at the moment. There is no real command for Wales at

halfback at the moment. The point Jonathan makes is simple. When they

are in a good position, they will go to Anthony Minichiello or Aiden

Guerra and that will give you quite a lot of strike opportunity. I don't

think we have seen quite what the Wales strategy is in attack yet

because they have not had any ball up there. Rhys Williams and Elliot

Kear for Wales won ball. They can score tries.

A quick play of the ball they needed.

Peter Lupton, the player coach. He is up at Workington now. The players

taking a breather. I think it is really important here that they take

their arrest on the way to the scrum but this is a very important

defensive set. They need to restrict the territory of the Italians and

try and get their next set of ball in good field position.

Sam Gardel. Good tackle. They lost the ball. A double hit. Gil Dudson

was in there. This is an opportunity. I don't think they have

had the ball near the halfway line at the start of a set. This is a

chance. It is nice to see that a lot of the crowd have stayed as well

because there is a clear difference in class between England and

Australia and these two. Ashley Klein not very happy there. He wants

everybody bounding. He is a referee, they are never happy. I have never

seen one smile. You can talk to them on the pitch and cajole with them. I

have only done that once and I got sent off. You could talk to the

REFEREE: Eight. Anyway -- you could talk to the referee in my day. That

was good to see from Wales. Good acceleration. I thought he was

through there. He is coming through well from fullback. But it was that

man again, Aiden Guerra. It is going to take a good play to catch that

left-hand side out of Italy. Rhys Evans. On the ten metre line now.

Can Wales get more points on the board? The chance out wide year. Ian

Webster. Five metres out now. We are on the last tackle. The kick. Who

has got it? Should that be another set of six? It went backwards. Wales

have got to keep them down here. That is the key. Keep the pressure

on. They will crack next time I am sure of that if Wales can get some

more decent field position. I am not so sure about that. I think they

have got to attack the right-hand side of the Italians because Aiden

Guerra it's such a good defender. A good tackle there from

Huddersfield's Larne Patrick. Italy forced to take under pressure.

Williams has got to bring this ball as far as he can. Ian Webster. I

think Wales have picked the pace and a little bit. They were a little bit

lethargic at the start. This is another opportunity. They need

another good click now to the corner. That is a very good one.

Five minutes remaining in this first half. Wales trailing by eight

points. Can they grab six here? On the 20 metre line. Here is a chance.

Driving for the line. A livery ball by Matt Seamark. -- lovely. Jordan

James has signed for Gloucestershire. Peter Lupton. Can

he twist? Good defence! They have got numbers on the left-hand side.

The kick was never on, was it? I thought he was offside.

Let's have a look. He has got to be offside. Ashley Klein has made a few

odd decisions so far. Craig Kopczak coming back on, the

Wales skipper. It is a vital period for Wales. Can they get some points?

They are way of side there. There is a big opportunity for Rhys Williams

if he traps that ball to keep Italy on the halfway line.

Italy determined to keep Wales in this half. They want to play at to

the whistle for half-time here. They have got to keep it moving.

They have gotten overlap here. Can he get the ball away? Yes he can.

That is a good try. He puts his arm in the air. The young lad from Wigan

is in for the try. Wales head back right on time before half-time. Just

before half-time is the time to score. A terrific try. We said how

strong the left-hand side defence was. The acceleration gets outside

Aiden Guerra and then the off-load. A great try. That is a great try

from Wales. Rhys Evans is the key. He takes Aiden Guerra on the outside

and forces him to make the play. The Italian winger, he came in and had

to make the tackle but failed. Just 20 years of age, the youngest player

at 17 ever to play for Wales when they last played against Italy in

2010 and that has made Iestyn Harris a little bit more comfortable.

Can Lloyd White increase the confidence little bit more? It is

looking good. He has got it. Wales score six points at the right time.

They are back in this game. I think the bench for Wales has made a huge

impact. Jacob Emmitt and Gil Dudson. Rhys Evans injects pace and

strength and gets between two defenders. Good footwork from Elliot

Kear and he has timed his pass to perfection. Just reinforcing that,

the bench, Jacob Emmitt and Gil Dudson, have made a big difference

to the Welsh team. That man is causing a lot of trouble. Rhys

Evans. The seconds ticking down. 40 seconds remaining. Surely Wales just

want to hold onto the ball they will settle for 14-12. Jacob Emmitt

taking it forward. Good running. As you said, the interchanges among the

forwards have made a big difference. It has allowed them to play a little

bit more and then go to the edges. Gil Dudson and Jacob Emmitt have got

them forward and giving the dummy half the ability to play a little

bit. A little bit more free-flowing football from the Welsh. There is

the half-time hooter. A terrific start by the Italians, leading 14-6,

but a terrific comeback. 14-12 to Italy and everything to play for in

the final 40 minutes. A terrific effort from Wales. They looked out

on their feet at one stage. The danger man on the left-hand side,

Aiden Guerra, with two tries. But Wales have had good field position

and they have forced their way back into the game. It is anyone's game.

It was nip and tuck when they beat Wales in Wrexham in 2010. I don't

think there is going to be many points difference in this game. Two

points is probably a fair reflection of the half. Wales finished the half

stronger. Minichiello, Italian fullback, how

is it looking from the back of the field? We started well, lost the

rock at the back of the first half. We will regroup and freshen up and

hopefully put in a good second half. Craig Kopczak, the Wales captain.

Have imported you think that tribal because macro it was important to

get the point at the end there. Hopefully we can turn it around in

the second half. It is a bruising encounter. Will fit this count in

the end? Maybe you. -- will fitness count.

A tight first half brought to the end. Italy two points clear of

Wales. It is balanced in the scoreline and in the stats as well.

Not much difference between possession and territory.

We heard from Craig Kopczak therewith Damian Johnson. He started

liking meant business. We talked about leadership in the sense of

dictating the play but he is going to lead with passion and power,

isn't it? Yes, he certainly well, and he did straightaway, he got

involved. Eltingh out the national anthem, that is the sort of blokey

is. He is the captain of the Welsh side, and he is very passionate

about it as well. Instantly, from the get go, he ripped in as hard as

he could, and that is the sort of player that he is. That is what it

is about, leading the team some getting them forward. He showed a

real willingness to get off the line and put pressure on the Italians.

Here we have a break from Ford, a controlled rock by the Welsh

defenders. Attracts the Square mile. Kopczak with the aggression, coming

off his line to make a shoulder tackle but this time does not come

up so good. A great rate from Ford. The Welsh defence is in tatters,

almost, Neil Budworth slow to get back as a result of the break. Rhys

Evans, the fullback, is stuck on the line because he is waiting for a

kick behind. As a result, Aiden Guerra one-on-one with Rhodri Lloyd.

I thought it was a real difference, it real quality play. Here we see

the double from the literal, a strong run and a twist to get the

ball down, great play from Italy. But it started from Kopczak's

aggression, maybe getting a slightly wrong, and then a well executed try.

Wales hit back through the Ben Evans try. They never allowed Italy to get

too far ahead. Not really. It has been a close contest. We were

talking about Wales struggling to get out of their first half. This

was a lovely kick, he put his body on the line and it was a great

finish as well. Brian Noble said in commentary it could come down to the

bounce of the ball. There were several different bounces in the

course of that. It was a strong effort from Athens to get to the

ball first. Miniature Load has made a career out of thinking about those

balls -- Minichiello has made a career. After that they became more

comfortable with being year, bringing in the World Cup will stop

certainly Italy then struck back. And they did, and they got the

second try from whereat after the Elliot Kear was ruled a no try.

These are the fine margins that games are Alan storm. You could be

down one end of the field where the ball is stolen in a two-man tackle,

and I agree it was, but Elliot Kear thinks he is going to go away and

score a try. We are talking just a minute later, two minutes later,

Italy are at the other end of the field and instead of it being an

even ball game, Italy are way out in front. But it certainly was a two

man steel and the right decision with no try. But this is Aiden

Guerra's second try. He is a strong guy, in front of Lloyd White, it was

too much for him to handle. Minichiello rubbing that really

shallow line which makes it hard to read, then one-on-one with Lloyd

White. That Miss match their resulted in Aiden Guerra again being

able to spend, get those strong artistry and get the ball down. A

great try. This is the man who scored in the NRL Grand Final, an

expert finisher. It was a great finish as well. He uses his

strengths to the best of his ability. That is what you do as a

team, isolate big people against smaller people, against the poorer

defenders, that is what we call spot playing. Rhys Evans has caused some

prop runs for the Italians. Elliot Kear as well. The combination of the

two and then Rhodri Lloyd has given Wales a platform for the second

half. They have been really energetic. You can see here

Evansville bass line, a quick speed, off-loads to Elliot Kear. -- you can

see Evans' line. That was a similar shape to what we can throw at teams.

Evans' speed allows him to get on the outside. Did not come up so

great there, but a well executed try, difficult to execute that try.

Not the best diving the world, though. Basically trying to get the

ball to Williams in a bit of space. If he can use that speed in that

space then he causes havoc and that is what happens, people bounce off

in tackles and there you go. That is a terrible dive. Well, maybe, when

we have our highlight show, we can organise a dive off between you two

and Rhodri Lloyd and see who has got the better dive. There is Iestyn

Harris talking to the Welsh players. We heard, talking during commentary

about Wales at times struggling to get out of their own half, your

theory behind that which is that rather than criticising Wales we

have to give the Italians credit for their speed. Football teams start

with an intensity and a willingness to get into each other, and it was

probably lacking in the first few minutes of the England - Australia

game. These two teams, in particular Frankie, he led the Italian forwards

-- Anthony Laffranchi in particular. Wales really struggled to get out of

their half. OK, the second half is on the way. John mentioned the game

between Australia and England, the Aussies won by 28 points to 20.

Let's hear from some of the people involved.

Congratulations, man of the match. How did you assess the performance

Abed? A bit rusty to start with. A few dropped balls in the first half

which put us under the pomp and England got a couple of tries. Full

credit to the boys. We stuck to our game plan. They'd reasonably well

throughout that game. The way we started was great. We lost our way

in the first half, we stopped playing a bit, which was

disappointing. We needed to find some energy. Too many penalties

given away today. It is hard when you have such a classy outfit as

England, but I think a World Cup is one of those things we have got to

get right and work harder to get quicker, too. The start of the week

was challenging. Like I said, we have got a fantastic group and the

players, the staff, are completely united and we wanted to go out and

respond and do our very best. We started off great, but

unfortunately, like that, it is a simple game, rugby league, and if

you give penalties await the opposition will hurt you. I think

people will be sat at home thinking, England have lost the opportunity

for an easy route to the final. I don't think there is ever an easy

route in this competition. But hopefully we can pick up some moment

now and hopefully get another shot at Australia. How desperate are you

to win the World Cup and get it back off the New Zealanders? Oh, look, it

would be nice to win the whole tournament but we were just

desperate to win today and we got the result that we wanted. We will

be very pleased but we know it will be another tough game next week

against Fiji. You play against Australian players week in, week

out. You have got to find the intensity for the full 80 minutes,

have undue? Yes, we went through a period at the end of the first half,

made a few errors. It took a lot of juice out of our tank. We have been

working on that. We are very disappointed as a group, we could

have done better. The way we started is what we are all about, trying to

keep that going for the full game. For the family, all three of you

playing, another special moment. It was, lining up for the national

anthem was a great moment, one to remember.

We will show you highlight of the England - Australia game at the

full-time of Wales against Italy. Let's get the thoughts of Jonathan

Davies in the commentary box. We heard Kevin Sinfield talk about the

number of penalties England gave away, 20 in total in the game,

England committed 12 of them. Was that their downfall in the end? I

think so. Handing errors and penalties at the end of the first

half, in the second half, they have no juice left in the tank. It is so

crucial, losing concentration when you think you are away from your

try-line, and if you give a penalty, end can, you give them a

good chance. It was a good performance from England, a little

bit of tinkering will set them up for the rest of the competition.

They have got tough games, Ireland, Fiji, and, if it all goes to plan,

New Zealand in the semifinal. They might well have another crack at the

Australian and I think they would be better the second time around. Are

we saying, given the weak that they have had, that was the performance

they needed, if not the result? I think so. When you are on the park,

it doesn't matter what is going on, that is where the park, it doesn't

matter what is going on, that is whether players are comfortable.

Last week's performance against the Italians was very poor. They rose to

the challenge today and just came up short. We will be back with you

shortly. What will Wales have to do to win this? Gamely to control the

rock a little bit more. They have got great speed, but they need to

start slumming it down, take control of the game and keep doing what they

are doing well, get the ball out in space and cause a bit of damage. You

are in a World Cup, in front of your home crowd. I am assuming sometimes

slumming it down is one of the hardest things to do? Sometimes when

you want to play quick and attack you have to play quick in defence,

it is counter-productive. They need to control Italy around the rock.

Slow the game down to a pace they can manage with their defence. Off

the back of that, get good field position because they have showed

that when they are in good position they are dangerous. We are here

until 7pm, plenty of opportunity for you to get your views in.

You can use Twitter or Instagram. Basically trawl the social media,

you will find somewhere! Let's return to Brian and Jonathan. And

Ray. Thank you very much. Iestyn Harris

there, and experienced player in league and union. He will be happy

with the revival in spirit in the last ten minutes. What more will be

needed in the last half? The last three defensive sets, they kept

Italy in position which allowed them a bit more freedom so a little bit

more rock macro speed. They will be looking for something similar. Can I

just say before we start, it is nice to see Billy Boston sat in the

stands. He has not been too well of late, but one of my good old

friends, one of the all-time greats of rugby league. One of the great

players for Wales. There is the first error that the Welsh wanted. A

little bit of line speed and pressure. There he is, my shoulders

still ache in the morning from trying to tackle him. You should

have taken a few mates with you! I did, didn't make any difference!

Anyway, here are Wales, trailing by two points.

There is always something on hand when this boy has the ball, Rhys

Evans. Strong and quick, that is a threat. Wales continuing in the

spirit they showed in the last ten minutes of the first half, attacking

well. Ian Webster trying to force his way down, but Tedesco was there.

Ten metres from the line. I think Elliot Kear has got the ball

down. The referee is happy enough, the fans are and so is the Welsh

side. That is a great take. You did not think he was going to come off

best out of the jump. I think he outjumped Chris Centrone. I think

the Italian bloke gets to it but Elliot Kear is more determined. That

is just a great leap. But also it was a good kick. I thought it was a

bit flat at the start but a perfect trajectory and the jump was amazing.

Wales have a 16-14 lead. I think this is all about field

position, this game. I don't think they have got the quality or the

pace to go the whole length. That is when field position is crucial.

Lloyd White with the kick. Two very good effort from the other

touchline. Can he get this one? Not a breath of wind with the roof shut.

Just to the left of the post but Wales lead. You thought that was in,

didn't you? I thought it was going to kill him. That is a great catch.

Italy might be believing their own hype after last week. Sometimes it

can give you some false confidence. I think it certainly focused the

minds of England today and now Wales. And we can hear what has been

going on at half-time. The Italy coach said, be patient, keep

possession and work for each other. Iestyn Harris wants them to sort the

completion is out and look after the ball. One of the Welsh players said,

bash them up for ten minutes and we can have these. A bit of technical

jargon! A little bit of hesitation there but he has managed to get away

with it. Still in possession. This is better from the Welsh camp. And

the kick putting pressure on that corner.

Certainly a lively set of Dragons now. The forwards moving very

quickly. There is a lot of Super League

experience in this Welsh pack. They really should be up for it. The

bench that came off all pretty much play Super League. Peter Lupton, Gil

Dudson. They changed the game when they came on the field. Raymond

Nasso trying to... He has given a penalty. Dangerous. That is

dangerous. He can't see him coming as well so we cannot get ready for

the impact. That is a tough one to take because Wales have defended

really well. Raymond Nasso. A good head. Good

running out wide. He has got the ball away. Is he in at the corner?

Yes, that is a try. That is a try. What a fantastic pass. James

Tedesco, was it? It was a beautiful piece of skill. He gets on the

outside, draws the winger and get the pass away. Great approach play

from the Italians and here is the many ball. The attracts two

defenders and flicks the ball out. He definitely gets the ball down.

But watch how we attracts first the centre and then the winger as well.

Rhys Williams probably did not need to come in. But once he had realised

he had come in, that is a fair skill to have. It is a great skill but

Rhys Williams maybe should have stayed out. A good game though. A

very good game. The lead changing hands again. As Brian said, it is

all about field position. Every time they have had field position, the

site has scored. Joshua Mantellato. I think Wales need to make a couple

of changes now. The bench have been on there for a while. Looking good.

It is not. It has peeled away to the left-hand side. He does not like it,

does he? 18-16 it remains for Italy but I am

sure that Welsh coaching contingent note this game is far from over. I

think there are quite a few tries yet to come. A lot of energy being

used by the forwards. They do run hard, this Italian pack.

They have been trying to identify some ruck speed and playing the ball

quickly. Lots of dummy half running. A lot of running from this man

Raymond Nasso. He picked that the office boots. A

good ball out wide and here it is again. It is a forward pass. That is

a big call. I will say this, Ashley Klein was right on the spot. He was

in a great position, wasn't he. It is. I think it is. This is a better

angle. Doesn't he patted backwards? His hands are going backwards. His

hands might be going backwards but it is with the ball is going. It is

not. It is a weird role that one. If the ball is passed backwards.

Anyway, it does not matter, it is a forward pass. Stop arguing. Wales

trying to get back into this game. A strong run. I think Wales need to

play a little bit flat. They have put a lot of ball behind players and

it is not fixing any of the Italian defenders.

Not the best of kicks. But as long as Wales can keep the pressure on

this Italian line, that is what they will be looking for. They have

thrown Ben Flower and Tyson Frizell back into the play. He is a strong

runner, isn't he? They are not missing each other

either. They are physical games we have seen. It is taking a lot of

good, solid tackling from the Welsh to keep up this Italian pack. That

is a good ball out wide. He flicks it back inside. A good tackle. It

was not high. He was going down. This is the last tackle. Can he get

out? Yes he does. But he is pushed into touch. I am not sure that is a

better result for the Italians. It is, especially with Aiden Guerra in

the centre. He just can't get away, can he?

A difficult set of six here on the line for Wales. They need a lot of

grit and determination from those lads in the pack. This is a big

moment in the game. Wales need to stand up and defend their chalk.

Eight metres from the Dragons line. That is a good tackle. Great line

speed. A good hit as well. Ben Evans,

number 11. Three more tackles to hold out. Raymond Nasso again with a

strong surge. The big Australian forwards are charging now. He has

got to get over that line again. Can he do it? No. It is going to be a

dropout. It is good patients from the Italian as well. -- patients.

There is a good battle going on at front between these two sides.

It is a physical game and you have got to intimidate one side. The pack

that is that invariably winds. I think there is a big blow here. Is

that Paul Vaughan? He has carried the ball well. He is not looking

healthy. It is Paul Vaughan, isn't it? What

happened to him? Why was he limping? It is an interchange anyway. I did

not get that. Still the series put the pressure

on. -- Azzurri. That is a good run. Very powerful from acting halfback.

He makes a lot of ground. Desperate defence here from Wales, three

metres from the line. What has he done? He has penalised Wales.

Another set of six. Is he going to go for goal here? He went for goal

the first time. I think if they sense they have got the momentum

going. It is the fourth set on the bounce. It is an energy issue. That

is a great tackle from Matt Seamark. He had to adjust. He has

not played the ball correctly. He thought he was interfering there.

Nobody was interfering. That is what Mark Minichiello thought. It is a

problem in the modern game. Sometimes they don't touch the ball

with their boots and the referee allows it because they made the

effort. Wales got off the hook there. It was a scrappy play of the

ball. But well done Wales. Wales in possession but trailing 18

points to 16. They have got to get away from this area, but Italy

coming in very quickly off the line. He never played the ball with his

foot then, just through it behind him. At that is allowed. You cannot

tell me that you always played the ball with your foot. I'm telling

you, you had to do or you were penalised. You still should do.

Oh, that is a knock-on. It isn't, he hasn't blown his whistle. Centrone

making good ground. Minichiello... That is flour, isn't it? A tough

boy, Ben Flower. Wales having to get through a lot of

work here in the pack around this area. The Italians have had a lot of

possession in the second half. A chance now for Wales. All that

tackling, Brian, as an ex-forward, you know it will take something out

of them, won't it? There is still a threat with the Welsh dummy half,

Rhys Williams, Elliot Kear. Every time Rhys Evans inject himself into

the lines, he looks dangerous. Frizell has had a very good game.

Difficult to pull down. This is Italian pack of unrelenting

in defence. Look at the speed from that line.

It should be another set of six, I think... To war three metres from

the line. Play on, says the referee. Desperate defence here, now, from

Italy. Seamark, good ball! Just couldn't get through. Larne Patrick,

wasn't it? Is that worth a look at the video

referee? The touch judge is very happy with it, so is the referee. I

do think is missing the ball out with the initial pass was a mistake

there, Brian. Interesting to see this. No, it is play on. His arm is

out there. I don't think there is a dither of a tackle. The players on

the pitch were calling for the video referee. A good chance, that was.

Still 181116 for Italy, coming up to the final 20 minutes of the match.

And what a match this will be -- still 18 - 16 for Italy.

The Welsh team were all offside. They have got to get appear now. He

played advantage, didn't he, to start with. It is a juice thing now.

What would you do here, play on? I would play on now. Only because I

think field position has been so vital. Both defences are very tired.

I thought he might have been able to reach over them, but that was good

something of the ball. Concentration around that ruck.

He absolutely smashed him. I want to look at that tackle from a different

angle because I don't think you missed. I think he copped in with

the crook of his arm on his chin. He did! Jiffy's tackle technique, they

can't run without their heads! I don't think it was an attempted

stiff arm or anything. I think it was just putting the arm round and

got hooked. They got away with that again. Wales

have done well there. They have done very, very well to stop the

Italians. It is getting to the other end of

the fields and then being able to put a set of six together, it is

just evading the Wells. Italy have done that. Looking at the possession

stats, I am sure that has happened. We are waiting for the lift again.

Look at the possession, 66 to 34, you cannot play a game like that can

win. Wales are, and if they get to the other end of the field, because

they are defending so well, they give themselves a chance. The fact

it is only 80 and 16 is testament to their courage and fire. -- the fact

it is only 18-16. I think Larne Patrick is hurt. Yes,

I think he is. I think he is all over the shop, isn't he goes macro

get hold of him. Italy playing a very, very simple game, using the

forwards, contain the Welsh pack. 17 minutes remaining, Italy in the

lead, 18-16. Some fierce rugby being played down there. There will be

some saw bodies after this game. Well taken! Good play, as well. Rhys

Williams they're running into trouble. An entertaining game,

though, isn't it? Very much so. Elliot Kear's schoolmate Gareth Bale

will be playing later on this evening. Sam Warburton, as well.

What a class that must have been! Let's hear from Damien again. On the

touchline we have got Danny Jones, one of the reserve halfbacks. What

do Wales have to do damage and of breaking the game apart? It has been

the panto throughout the game will stop they probably need to come up

with better kicks than the one they have come up with -- it has been nip

and cup throughout the game. Do you feel you have got enough gas in the

tag? I think that is what will come through, we will probably have more

left in the tank than the Italians. We have been working away for a

couple of weeks now in North Wales on a training camp so I am sure our

fitness will hold out. Thanks, Danny. A confident Danny Jones

there. Fitness will show now as we approach the last ten or 20 minutes.

Wales have to give themselves a chance, with poor kicking and a

couple of errors. It is these big forwards who are slowly beginning to

breakdown this Welsh defence. Can they break it completely now?

What a tackle that is! That is an amazing tackle! I thought it was in.

Touristic reactions from the Welsh there. -- horrific reactions.

Well done, Wales. Riethmuller. Larne Patrick on reasonable, that is a

great tackle. Let's see if they can survive this now and try and get

upfield. Well taken. Good jump by Elliot

Kear. Very quick play of the ball. I feel they need a penalty, Wales.

They do. They need the big runners now. I don't think they have made a

yard yet. These Italian forwards are really coming in, putting the

tackling. And that is the penalty. Play five, life-saving, game

changing penalty, and he knows it. This could be a life-saver for

Wales. Needs a good kick. That'll do, towards the halfway line. Ten

metres in. Nervous Carlo Napolitano, I'm sure. Two point is not enough at

the moment. Just less than 14 minutes remaining.

All the hard work... Big mistake. Suddenly gone. That was a ball for

Rhys Evans, stuck his arm out. Danny Jones said, just little bit of

composure, that is all they need. A lot of people have treated me

saying, what is the point of rugby league scrum? I'm sorry I can't

answer that. Just the start of play, these days, isn't it? What is the

point they a would-be union scrum? It is a competition now. -- rugby

union scrum. Let's get back to this game, the

Italians, just 12 minutes remaining. Aiden Guerra is such a threat. Wales

have given themselves too much to do. Minichiello coming in from the

fallback position, directing operations.

He flicked it out beautifully! Tedesco touched it down! Let's see

it. What a pass off the floor! Is he looking to see whether he was

tackled? Brian thought he was offside, so he should go to offside.

He is looking for the factor of whether he was tackled, whether his

ball carrying arm was on the floor. Isn't he offside? Does he get within

ten metres? Yes. He looks to be tackled. He has not said he is

offside. It is whether his arms are on the ground. A Welshman has to

touch him. He knocks on. Maybe not. I don't think it was completed.

Does he drop this ball? No, he shovels it up. Hang on. The Welsh

boys are walking forwards. The Italian boys are walking back. A bit

of good ology? -- a bit of kid ology? I think that will be a tried

for James Tedesco. A big call. It is a try.

A try for Italy and could that be the winner? He is nodding his head

in agreement. 22-16. He takes it well. Quick thinking. A lovely

little kick. He gets high again, he is not held on the floor, he scoops

it away and a lovely pass. Joshua Mantellato has had a big impact on

this game. He still gives Wales a Smith if he misses it. Here he is

again. His toughest kick so far, this. It is high, it is spinning

around. But it is still 22-16. How long have we got on the clock? About

ten minutes at the moment. That is a good try. They need a big defensive

set now but in the opposition half. They have gone short. I think they

have got to try and get the ball. They can't get hold of the ball. If

you look at the possession, 60% to Italy, 40% to Wales. 60% in the

second half. The one time they have been at the right end of the field,

they have scored. I think they can. That is where they have been so much

better than Wales. Getting out of their own half. Here come Italy

again. It is these forwards causing the problems. Fitness will tell and

they appear to have it. A good flick out wide. He is still going. What a

ball! And Chris Centrone scores in the corner. Will that put an end to

any Welsh hopes of a win at the Millennium Stadium? A different

crass -- class. He has been a huge difference today. Anthony

Minichiello to Aiden Guerra and what a ball that is. That is a great

pass. This is it. I think you have got a look at these

Italian forwards as well. They are so strong. But they have had so much

ball in the second half they have been allowed to look strong. In the

end, it has told on the Welsh team. That amount of possession against

you, it is too hard. Joshua Mantellato. Yet another one on the

touchline. Iestyn Harris looks resigned to the

situation. But more matches to come for Wales. They can still qualify.

This is a very tight group. 26 - 16. Looking for another two

points. He has tried to swing round but not a game. Ten points the

difference for Italy. Here we see Aiden Guerra. Good hands, he steps

and steps and steps and there is the money ball. Absolutely brilliant

from Aiden Guerra. I don't think this has gone ten.

A very poor kick from Wales puts the pressure back on the Dragons. They

needed the ball back but when you have tried so hard and done

reasonably well, and so little ball in the second half, you try

everything in your power to change it and sometimes it goes against

you. Italy kicking it long and high. Wales have got to hang in there now.

They will be deflated and absolutely out on their feet because of the

defensive work. Raymond Nasso launching yet another

foray. They are making good ground. He switches the movement. Down

beside a again, aren't they? Always favouring this side. A nice little

holder of the ball there. Raymond Nasso goes for the line himself. I

am sure they will come this side again. Anthony Minichiello is

lurking. It is the kick to the corner. That is a knock-on, surely.

Yes, it is. Just six minutes remaining, ten points the

difference. Something special needed from the Dragons.

They just need to play a little bit hotter. They have got a chance there

am a little bit. Good learning there from Larne Patrick. -- running. They

have got to move it out wide. Tyson Frizell. Just a couple of tackles

remaining in this sequence. A good, strong run. Jordan James. The last

tackle. Is it with a high one? Somebody has got to get underneath

it. A great take. You would put your house on it. In a

tight game situation, I been there, you would. He has been doing it for

years. Their big players have really stepped up, the Italians, I have got

to say. Anthony Minichiello, Aiden Guerra I think Dean Parata has also

played well. They have got a good spine. Italy once again with the

ball in hand. The rank outsiders in this

tournament. 500-1. They are not going to win it. They just could not

pick that ball up, could they? I don't think it is quite a fair

reflection of how much effort Wales are putting in but often in games

like this it is not. They have not had any ball in this half and not

been able to establish any field position. None whatsoever. A very

disappointed Craig Kopczak there. He has given it his all. The referee

just stopping play while the ball is retrieved. We understand that the

media have named their man-of-the-match as Joshua

Mantellato. We would not disagree with that, would we? I would

disagree with that. I think Aiden Guerra has been the standout player.

Italy with possession yet again. I think Raymond Nasso has made a big

difference since coming on the field as well. He holds the ball well,

doesn't he? It is Wales defending yet again with

a ten point deficit. Good play by Italy. Good tackle by Elliot Kear

there. Moving it behind the line. That is a little bit too hard but I

don't think it will trouble the Azzurri.

Time surely running out on this Welsh outfit. A very tired looking

Wales at the moment. But there is a good run. Did he get it away? I

think he has given a forward pass. You have got to chance your arm.

Yes, it is. He got that right. It was a good run by Ian Webster

though. Tyson Frizell attracted the defenders and got his hands free. It

is hard to be critical at this stage. A disappointed Iestyn Harris

there but I am sure he will have them primed and ready for their next

match against the USA in Wrexham. Plenty to play for in this

particular mini league in this World Cup competition.

The Azzurri will surely play down this set of six now. Proving to be

the surprise team in this tournament, especially after that

warm up win over England. They have had a good week, haven't

they? A very good week. Content just to drive it in and take the tackle.

Less than a minute remaining. Raymond Nasso once the ball. He

switches to the blind-side and they are in again. Mark Minichiello

crashing through. Daylight in the Italian camp. -- delight. This is

just down to tiredness, the defenders falling off. Mark

Minichiello just hitting the whole. But absolutely down to tiredness.

That is the result of all double have had. It was a forward pass.

More often than not when you are on the losing team, you do not get the

calls. Wales have not had any ball. A convincing scoreline for Italy.

And that man, Mark Minichiello, absolutely decided -- delighted to

grab that four points. Congratulations all round in the

Italian camp. Iestyn Harris offering his congratulations to the coach.

So, the last act of the game, yet another kick from Joshua Mantellato.

Lofted high, and he gets it. Two points, then, to Italy. They

congratulate each other, and it is 32 points to 16 for the Azzurri,

terrific win here. It is a difficult match to come against Scotland, that

they must be hopeful now. I thought it was just a solid performance, and

think the big players stood out. Minichiello, Aiden Guerra, just that

little bit of extra class. Wales have just got to try to get up now

and hope somebody beats these Italians. Plenty of effort from

Wales but Italy win 32-16. And the winning coach Carlo Napolitano joins

me now. A successful evening for you. Yes, it has been a major couple

of years getting the team together and it was great to see the

combination of the opening game, the opening ceremony, and beating Wales,

who were a tough opponent. What was the difference tonight? Was it the

NRL experience? When you have got top level footballers playing, of

course the standard of football is going to be better. I thought there

was room for improvement, and we will improve on a week to week

basis, but overall I am happy with the first week, so proud of the

boys. The due sense in the second half that Wales were there for the

taking, because they had it horrific defensive first half. Iestyn will

have Wales firing as a professional outfit. We knew what was going to

come, and they just made it really, really difficult for us. We had to

stick to our game plan. Joshua Mantellato, the man of the match, is

with us. Well done, it was a bruising game. Very bruising,

especially as the middle there. The forwards dominated later in the

second half. Do you feel you are on a roll after the win against

England? It gave us a bit of confidence coming into the

tournament. To get the win last week was special but tonight it even

better because it counts for something. Every World Cup, and

unfancied team comes through, it was Fiji last time, previously Wales

have done it. Could it be Italy this time? Definitely, we have got the

experience in the middle so if we can stay injury free and get through

the group games, anything is possible. Well done. Thank you very

much. Iestyn Harris joins me. Bitterly

disappointed to lose the opening game? Yes, bitterly disappointed. I

thought Italy were by far the better side. I thought we were poor in a

lot of areas. We did not deserve anything out of the game. If you

don't deserve anything out of the game, you shouldn't get it. The team

tackled themselves to a standstill. Was that, in the end, you're doing?

I think so. They made it difficult for us. We did not quite get into

the attacking flow that we wanted to get in and ultimately they had a lot

more possession than us and we had too much defending to do. Where does

this leave your campaign? It does not leave us in tatters. What it

does is leave us with some work to do to make sure we turn it around in

the next seven days. We have got two more group games and if we can win

the next two group games we have still got a chance of going through

the group. We need to get over this very, very quickly and go onto the

game. Thank you. So, Italy have beaten Wales by 32

points to 16 in the second match of the afternoon in the Rugby league

World Cup. At half-time bowl Crabtree and Jon Wilkin were with me

and saying about how close the stats were. But now Italy are into the 60s

and Wales dropping in the 30s for their possession and territory. At

half-time we were saying about how close it was on the stat board. You

can see possession and territory, Italy were far higher and that is

what got them in the end. Wales could not hang in there. It took it

out of them and it was a shame that it ran away but Italy always looked,

we were talking before, we were saying it looked like Italy had that

level. Double the amount of penalties conceded by the Welsh as

opposed to the Italians. When we get onto penalties with England and

Australia, it hurt the English as well. Penalties play a big part in

the modern game. It is credit to Italy that the Welsh were not

necessarily at fault. Italy showed how simple this game can be. Frankie

Vaughan ran onto the ball at real speed, they had Parata at nine who

seemed smart around the ruck. Some really good examples of how you can

play a simple game plan and make it very effective, and Italy did that

in the second half. We will show you the highlights of England against

Australia before we come off air at 7pm, so we will show you what

happened in the first game. As far as the second half of this game,

let's go through the drive that were scored. Wales scored first? They

did, it was a premeditated kick plate. There was only one place he

wanted to, that is the crossfield kick from Seamark. A great piece of

execution to put the ball in the space and then Elliot Kear, we spoke

about to Joe being able to do that. That is the catch we were talking

about earlier, to rise above the defending player, two hands, not

quite clean but does what is that it the second time. We have seen a few

of those in both games. This is classic centre play for me. Three on

three, teases the opposite defender, go in and the way. It creates the

illusion he will beat the centre and then what I play, fantastic flick

pass, and the Welsh winger was really caught in two minds, Rhys

Williams there. An excellent piece of skill from Tedesco. The two

Italian centres were pure class today, really exceptional players.

We saw Wales score from a premeditated kick will stop

Mantellato gets a crossfield kick, gets some great height, uses his

backside to create some room. Another good off-load, a great try

for Italy. They really dominated this period of the game. Was it a

close call for you between Mantellato and Aiden Guerra for who

got the man of the match? Aiden Guerra does a similar off-load

here. To be honest, my opinion, I thought Aiden Guerra should have

been man of the match, he was outstanding and that off-load was

ridiculous, one of the best we will see. He is a speculator, to say the

least. He is going to the floor, not a clue where the wind is but he

knows he will be on the wings somewhere, it is the perfect ball.

The final try was harsh on the Welsh but highlighted their tiredness?

These glitzy bits we see at the end of a product of a lot of hard work

by the guys up front. I am a bit biased, Mike team-mate Anthony

Laffranchi was exceptional today. Let's look at the group tables.

Italy top of group C with the win over Wales. The Welsh of course are

in the other group, Group D. They are the alongside the Cook Islands

and the US. You play every site in your own group in Group C and Group

D but then you play one of the site in the opposing group. If you are at

all confused about the structure of the Rugby league World Cup, let's

have Dave Edwards guide us through. The 2013 Rugby league World Cup is

the 14th in its history. The inaugural tournament was in 1954

when Great Britain eat France and that was to be the first of the

Lions people squeeze successes. The last, in 2008, saw New Zealand claim

that only the tree with a win over Australia will stop in between those

years, Australia dominated, winning nine titles. This year's competition

sees 14 teams split into four groups, two four teams and two of

three. Group ACs England alongside pretournament favourites Australia,

2000 quarterfinalists Island and 2008 semifinalist Fiji. Group B

features holders the Kiwis, twice runners-up France, Papua New Guinea

and the 2000 quarterfinalists Samoa. Group C is made up of Scotland's

Braveheart, 2000 quarterfinalists Tonga and debutants the jewellery

from Italy. With DC 's former semifinalist Wales, the Cook Islands

in their second World Cup, and first timers the USA, Hawks. In groups a

and B, each team plays each other. The fixtures are made up of each

team playing a nation from the other small group so teams from Group C

will play one match from teams from Group D. Beyond the group stage the

competition is a straight knockout. As the four team groups a and B

contain the higher seeded nations, the quarterfinal line-up is made up

of the top three teams from those stronger groups and just the winners

of Group C and the. Those last eight meetings will determine the four

semifinalist who will face off in the double-header at Wembley before

one team's rugby league fantasy will be fulfilled at Old Trafford was

theatre of dreams in the final of the 30th of November.

As somebody who dropped art before GCSE, I am in awe of the artistic

talent on that Trail! It was beautiful. Highlights of every game

in the Rugby league World Cup so far tomorrow, BBC One, from 11:50pm,

straight after much of the day two, when we have got every game covered

on the BBC across the various outlets. You can hear all begins on

five live sports extra or five live. Tomorrow, Papua New Guinea against

France and New Zealand against some other. All of the thought of the

pundits on the BBC sport website. You can catch up with everything as

well on the BBCi play. If you need more sport, Wales against England's

women's World Cup qualifier is on BBC Three tonight from 7pm, and of

course much of the data might give at 10:20pm on BBC One. Manchester

United against Stoke and Aston Villa against Everton among the games you

will be able to see. -- Match Of The Day to night at 10:20pm.

Brian Noble, Eorl Crabtree and Josh Wilkin are with me. We will get

their boards after we show you what happened in the first game between

England and Australia. It goes back to Kevin Sinfield. Ryan

Hall will score the first try of the World Cup 2013! The referee wants to

be absolutely certain, and he is. England are up and running! After a

week to forget, they have had a start to remember. Here comes

Sinfield with a kick. It is an awkward bounce. Picked up, and

touched down by Leroy Cudjoe! Australian mistakes, but the referee

wants to make absolutely sure here. Wait for the cheer here. It is a

second England try. Greg Inglis grabs it off him and

Johnathan Thurston scores a try! The referee checks with the judges. The

giant rating this setting that one up. Cameron Smith across to

Johnathan Thurston... And in the flies Greg Bird, hauling himself on

the line. The referee looks about the judges and says the flying cap

by Craig Bird is a try scorer. Off he goes, the England defence is

chasing, and Billy Slater with absolute smash and grab moment at

the end of the first half, taking the Australians to a level of

comfort that they thoroughly deserved. This is massive for

England, the opening stages of the second half.

Brett Morris has bullied his way over and find a way to touch down.

Sam Burgess comes on with power and pace. Australia deal with that... A

try from George Burgess! But the referee leaves us hanging on again.

He was denied in the first half... He is not to be denied in the second

half! And England are back with a fighting chance, and it is one of

those Burgess boys that has wrestled the initiative back England's way.

Five tackles for England to have a go. Over goes Darius Boyd. He is

quite confident he has scored a try here. He has a bigger look at the

big screen, knowing what is coming. It is a try for Australia. It might

just be the moment that makes absolutely certain of an Australia

victory in this opening game. It has gone to ground. And it is a

gift! England are back in it. That is the final hooter and the

referee will blow the whistle. Disappointing in terms of results

for England, losing 28-20, but very encouraging for England in terms of

performance. A huge amount to take from that

performance. We played reasonably well throughout the game. We started

the game of great but we lost our way a little bit. We stopped playing

which was a little bit disappointing. We needed to find

some energy and we did that at certain stages but too many

penalties were given away and too much field position. To find that

intensity for full 80 minutes is the challenge. We dropped off on a

couple of occasions and against the best team in the world, as they are

now, they will make you pay the price. There has been so much

build-up, how important for you and the team to post that kind of

performance and make people take notice? As a coach you have got to

do your job week in, week out. We did that this week. We have got

seven blokes what desperate to be in the site next week and that is what

we need. Steve McNamara talking after the

game. Let's take a look at the statistics from the match. Fairly

balanced when it came to possession and territory and tackle completion

as well but it goes back to the errors. 20 in total in the game. I

don't know whether the page had anything to do with that. But 12 of

them by England. It is not a bad platform to start from though

because of all the turmoil this week. It just means you are doing

extra sets and it takes the energy out of your legs. Cut that out of

the game. Sam Tomkins has said, gutted with the result, we will come

back stronger from that. Leroy Cudjoe, disappointed with the result

but a decent performance to build on. Awesome support today. Brett

Ferres says great support today. Despite the errors, it felt like

there was a turning point in each half. In the first half, it seemed

that when George Burgess went off, England seemed to lose a bit of

momentum. When you are playing New Zealand and Australia, they are

quality outfits, and I think Steve McNamara half-time speech probably

summed it up. This is test match football and it is called a test

because you are tested at every level of your concentration, your

ability to be in the right place at the right time. It is that little

bit when something goes wrong and that is what Australia are pretty

good at because the intensity in this competition, you make one

mistake and that is it. I thought England with the equal of Australia

today. I don't think it was a talent issue, I don't think it was a

structure issue, but they made errors at crucial times and gave

penalties at crucial times which gave a good team great field

position and at that level against Australia and against New Zealand,

you are not going to get away with it. It was just before half-time and

just after half-time where we got done with a couple of tries. It was

group soft penalties and groups of end -- errors that cost England. In

those little periods of the game Australia were ruthless. Was the

other turning point, you are smiling already, you know what I am going to

say. I have got an idea. Witches? -- which is? Did Josh Charnley touch

the touchline? We have had a number of messages saying there is no way

he did. They say it is a game of inches, that is a game of

millimetres if he has touched it there. My tip for him is to go

harder earlier to give himself a bit of a chance but that is a tough

call. And when we are talking about pitch -- test match football, those

referee decisions, the bouncing of the ball, can lead to this. They

still had a chance to close that down. Because this try was directly

afterwards. I understand the best oration fans because it gives

Australia free field position but they could have handled the

situation. Maybe the difference would have been that Australia would

have defended that set of six. Was he in or was he out or are we saying

it is irrelevant? It is irrelevant now. Read the papers. I thought the

tough call was the scrum played before half-time because England

could have done something about that. We got a bit of confusion.

Rangi Chase was bullied by the referee to come to the open side.

For our viewers watching and listening and watching the replay,

because Sam was running to get into position, Billy Slater has gone for

that. An awful lot of love for Billy Slater this evening. Dale Ward says

simply, Billy Slater is unreal. Let's take a look at his try again.

Rangi Chase got pulled around to the other side of the scrum. Billy

Slater is quick in comparison to most people. He sails into the

corner there. We turned -- talk about Australia turning up at the

right moment in the game and Billy Slater seems to be one of those

guys. It always seems that Billy Slater picks up that loose ball and

scores that crucial try or comes up with a piece of play. He took

another phenomenal one in the second half when he kept the ball in. If

you want a comparison for our viewers, James Roby goes for a

40-20, he leaps from the sidelines and get the ball back in. They are

safe. We don't quite handled that play. Go harder and earlier and you

have a chance of stopping that play. Is Sam Burgess going to be in a

little bit of trouble? He is on report. He is a little bit lucky

that the referee can't quite see because there is a player in front

of him. But he connects straight with his face and it is pretty nasty

that one. He could be in a little bit of trouble. Sam is a great

bloke. I know for a fact that is unintentional. He is trying his best

to win the ball back for his team there. People get it wrong but as

long as we tried to do these things within rules of the game, I think

they should be leniency. When they are outside of the rules of the game

they should be punishment. Lots of tweeting about the Burgess Brothers.

Andy says, that was lucky that he is only on report but good passion for

the big hit. Nathan Driscoll, if I had a sister I would let George

Burgess go out with her. Let's take a look at the fixtures and the group

table after England's defeat. The thing to remember here, we have said

it before, is that three go through from this group. In some ways, the

performers matters not as much as the result. It puts a little bit of

pressure on because they will have to perform in every game now. I

think it is about the juxtaposition in terms of the quarterfinal and the

semifinal. They are going to have to pay -- played two more to have

teams. It could be a semifinal against New Zealand while the

current holders. Very fond memories. Very first time

for myself to beat Australia. The first World Cup for New Zealand. To

make history is pretty special. New Zealand, the champions of the

world! Last time we were the underdogs. I

think that tag sits very well with us.

When I decided I was going to stay in league for another season, I

could not think of anything better than presenting my country at the

World Cup. He is great for the side. He is a

player held in very high regard and not just in the way he plays on the

field but the way he carries himself fit. I know a lot of the squad

look-up to him. I guess it is one thing to have a

great team on paper but it is how you play on the field. Not a bad

first emotional game against Samoa. People are saying this could be one

of the games of the tournament. It will definitely be a physical one

and both the teams know each other very well. We will want to get off

to a great start to the tournament. I think it is a cracker.

This is how the New Zealand group lines. France, Papua New Guinea and

Samoa. Let's get a quick thought from

Robbie Paul. The Kiwis under more pressure as come into this as

holders Western Mark that could be a fair assessment. There will be a

little bit more pressure but they know they are away from home, they

know the Australians go in as tournament favourites, and England

have the home advantage, so they will not be too much in their mind,

they will be focused on trying to get the job done and using the

talent they have. Australia appear to be more concerned about New

Zealand than they are about England. I watched a very strong New Zealand

team play against the Cook Ireland's last week and they played

fantastically well without big boys in the middle of the park. Thank

you. Stop making fun of his handkerchief in his pocket. Take it

out of your pocket. What if I get a runny nose? It looks like a bit of

tea towel. Don't you join in! We have had the start that we wanted.

Not result twice but to close games which is how the competition is

structured. I think it is a fantastic start to the tournament.

We wanted a great competition, some big games. We just need to keep

building now and I am sure they will get a lot better. Plenty for England

to work on? Definitely, but lots of improvement and more players to come

back into the team. People who don't know about the game, come and get

them tickets and come and watch. Thank you very much for your

company. See you over the course of the next few days and weeks. Thank

you for watching. The World Cup is under way. Not great start for

England and Wales but at least we have got rugby league.