Rugby World Cup 2019: Kiwi Jayden Hayward among try scorers as Italy obliterate Russia in warm-up

Italy submitted Russia to a humbling 85-15 defeat, running in 13 tries in their final home appearance before the Rugby World Cup on Sunday (NZ time). 

Matteo Minozzi led the scoring with three tries at the Stadio Riviera delle Palme in San Benedetto del Tronto as Italy's back division ran riot.

Captain Sergio Parisse and New Zealand-born fullback Jayden Hayward were among the try-scorers as Italy reached halftime 38-8 ahead.

The pace did not drop as Tommaso Allan, who kicked six conversions, went over within a minute of the restart. Other notable performances came from Mattia Bellini and Edoardo Padovani, who both claimed a couple of tries.

Italy travel to France and England for further warm-ups before heading for the World Cup. They face Namibia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand in Pool B.

Russia, ranked 20th in the world, face Japan, Samoa, Scotland and Ireland in Pool A.

Their opening game against hosts Japan launches the tournament in Tokyo on 20 September.

Reuters 

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