Rugby: Italy defeat Namibia to get World Cup started on winning note

Italy defeated Namibia 47-22 in wet and wild conditions in Higashiosaka on Sunday, keeping alive their hopes of advancing from a tough Pool B.Playing in windy and humid weather, Italy started slow and were error-prone throughout but managed to score seven tries to Namibia's three at Hanazono Rugby Stadium near Osaka.While the Italians came into the World Cup having only won one of their nine test matches this year, the world No. 14 side were able to heap pressure on the overmatched Welwitschia, with much of the action taking place in Namibia's half.Despite the win, Italy coach Conor O'Shea …READ FULL ARTICLE