Prop Castrogiovanni scores a hat-trick as Italy down Japan 32-19

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

TOKYO (AFP) — Right prop Martin Leandro Castrogiovanni scored a hat-trick of tries to lead Italy to a hard-fought 32-19 victory over Japan in a rugby union Test match.

After stand-off Rima Wakarua cashed in on a penalty in the 10th minute, the 22-year-old forward won a maul five metres from the Japanese line before crashing over for his first score in the 16th minute. The try went unconverted.

Fullback Gonzalo Canale scored Italy's second try in the 28th minute, but it was Castrogiovanni who continued to steal the show on Sunday.

His second try came in the 62nd minute at an equally pivotal time in the match, with the Japanese in touch and trailing 18-12.

"I think it was a very critical time in the match," said Italy's coach John Kirwan, a former...