Aura Muzzo scored a pair of tries as Italy fought back for a 22-10 win over the United States in their opening Pool B clash at the Rugby World Cup, while Wales secured a last-gasp win over Scotland in their Pool A contest.
Rugby World Cup Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
Hallie Taufoou's fourth-minute try gave the Americans an early advantage, but Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi crossed for Italy before Muzzo's double and a superb solo effort from Maria Magatti secured victory.
Italy's pack had been weakened by the early loss to injury of Ilaria Arrighetti and the United States took advantage, outmuscling the Italians in the scrum, and Taufoou's try gave the Americans the lead.
But for all their dominance, the Americans were unable to add to their first half tally and two minutes before the break Italy took the lead.
Canada joined the Italians in picking up a bonus-point win in their Pool B opener, with Emily Tuttosi scoring a hat-trick of tries in a comfortable 41-5 victory over Japan.
Paige Farries gave the Canadians the perfect start when she touched down with a barely a minute on the clock, when Komachi Imakugi's kick was blocked.
Japan's Maki Takano burrowed over the line to level the scores four minutes later but the Canadians soon showed the gulf in class between the teams.
Tuttosi scored her first from the back of the maul 14 minutes into the game and Briana Miller increased the advantage 10 minutes later.
Tuttosi crossed again in the 29th minute and Miller claimed her second with five minutes remaining in the half.
Ten minutes into the second half Tuttosi completed her hat-trick before a further try from Mikiela Nelson gave Canada a comprehensive win.
In Sunday's final game in Whangarei, Keira Bevan scored a penalty in the dying seconds as Wales battled to an 18-15 victory over Scotland.
Wales scored tries through Alisha Butchers and Kayleigh Powell to lead 15-5 at the break. Scotland then moved up a gear, with Megan Gaffney going across the line twice to level the scores at 15-all, before Bevan showed nerves of steel to seal the win in the 86th minute.
"Credit to our girls for having the bravery to play till the end, to try and get that penalty, and fair play to Keira for slotting it," Wales coach Ioan Cunningham said.
-Reuters