Italy prop Andrea de Marchi attacks Canada in the 22-3 win
Photo: John Dickson
20 APRIL 2007
Italy have been crowned Division B champions at the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007, after defeating Canada 22-3 at Shaw's Bridge in Belfast.
For match reports, rights-free photos and audio reaction, click here to visit the IRB U19 Division B media centre
Italy captain Alberto Chiesa got his side off to the perfect start with a try after 10 minutes, Riccardo Bocchino adding the conversion to put Italy ahead 7-0. Nathan Hirayama pulled three points back for Canada with a penalty after 15 minutes, but Bocchino restored the seven-point lead with a penalty before half time.
Francesco Fiorani and Luca Martinelli scored second-half tries for Italy to
confirm first place in Division B.
USA claim third
USA completed a highly successful campaign by claiming third place with a 24-5 victory over Georgia at Gibson Park, Bangor. Full back Hamish Roberts scored 14 of USA's points, taking his tournament tally to 39.
Battle royal for fifth
Tonga and Uruguay enjoyed a titanic battle for fifth at Queen's Belfast, which the Pacific islanders eventually won 24-15. Tonga were 12-10 ahead at half time, but Edgardo Benitez's try edged Uruguay 15-12 ahead 15 minutes into the second half. Salesi Sete scored Tonga's third try sevens minutes from full time to retake the lead, before Tone Tukufuka added another late on to secure fifth place for Tonga.
Zimbabwe secure seventh
Rangarirai Zembe scored two tries for Zimbabwe in the first half of their seventh place play-off against Chile at Gibson Park, Malone, helping his side to a 12-3 half-time lead. Centre Francisco González, who scored all of Chile's points, responded with a try in the second half, but Zimbabwe hung on to win 12-10.
Romania recorded their second successive tournament victory, this time 20-10 over Russia at Queen's Belfast, to secure ninth place overall.
Chinese Taipei scored three first-half tries against Cook Islands in the battle for 11th place at Gibson Park, Malone. Roney Maui did pull one back for Cook Islands midway through the second half, but it was not enough as Chinese Taipei recorded a 29-10 victory.
For final Division B standings, click here
The Division A tournament reaches its climax on 21 April with the following matches:
- 15:30 Fiji v Japan Belfast Harlequins, Belfast (11th place play-off)
- 15:00 Scotland v Ireland Ravenhill, Belfast (9th place play-off)
- 13:30 Argentina v Samoa Shaw's Bridge, Belfast (7th place play-off)
- 15:30 England v France Shaw's Bridge, Belfast (5th place play-off)
- 17:30 Australia v Wales Ravenhill, Belfast (3rd place play-off)
- 19:30 South Africa v New Zealand Ravenhill, Belfast (FINAL)
| 20/04/2007, 17:30 |
Chinese Taipei |
FT 29 - 10 |
Cook Islands |
Malone, Belfast |
| 20/04/2007, 17:30 |
Romania |
FT 20 - 10 |
Russia |
Queen's, Belfast |
| 20/04/2007, 19:30 |
Chile |
FT 10-12 |
Zimbabwe |
Malone, Belfast |
| 20/04/2007, 19:30 |
Uruguay |
FT 15-24 |
Tonga |
Queen's, Belfast |
| 20/04/2007, 18:00 |
Georgia |
FT 5 - 24 |
USA |
Bangor, Bangor |
| 20/04/2007, 19:30 |
Canada |
FT 3-22 |
Italy |
Shaw's Bridge, Belfast |
Related Items/Links
Related Unions