CARDIFF -- Wales survived a second-half fightback by Italy to launch the defence of its Six Nations title with an unconvincing 23-15 win at Millennium Stadium on
Saturday.
http://www.sportingkansascitymlsshop.com/Authentic-Roger-Espinoza-Jersey/ . First-half tries by Alex Cuthbert and Scott Williams combined with flawless
kicking by Leigh Halfpenny to give the Welsh a 17-3 lead at the break. Unlucky
to be so far behind, Italy dominated the second half, with Michele Campagnaro
scoring two tries to leave his team just five points behind with 11 minutes
left. However, another penalty by Halfpenny ensured Wales preserved its unbeaten
home record against the Italians and saw the fullback finish the match with a
personal haul of 13 points. "It will focus the minds for next week," said Wales
coach Warren Gatland, referring to Saturdays match in Ireland. "It wasnt an easy
run-out -- it was tough, which was the way we wanted it." The Welsh are seeking
an unprecedented third straight title since the tournament expanded in 2000, and
have been installed as favourites by most pundits and bookmakers. Yet they were
given a real scare by Italy, and with the score at 20-15 after Campagnaros
second try, there was a real danger that Wales would lose its opening match --
like it did last year to Ireland. In the end, Wales limped to victory and there
were muted celebrations by the players after the final whistle. "We certainly
made it hard for ourselves," Wales centre Jamie Roberts said. "We have to
tighten up those mistakes in our game. If we dont, then well lose against
Ireland." It had all looked so different after just four minutes, when covering
winger Angelo Esposito failed to gather a grubber kick by Wales flyhalf Rhys
Priestland. The ball slithered through into the in-goal area and the inrushing
Cuthbert had the simple task of collecting and diving over for a try that was
converted by Halfpenny. The Italians didnt buckle, though. And after Allan and
Halfpenny traded penalties to leave the score 10-3 after 29 minutes, Sergio
Parisse was denied a try in the 35th by the video referee, who adjudged the
Italy captain to have knocked on as he challenged for a high ball with George
North. Somewhat against the run of play, Wales scored its second try three
minutes later when Roberts broke a tackle in midfield before passing inside to
centre partner Williams, who cantered over to ground near the posts. Italys
comeback was launched in the 43rd, though, when Campagnaro chased down Leonardo
Sartos smart kick down the line and dived over just before the ball went dead.
Crucially, Allan missed the conversion, then a penalty in the 50th. Halfpenny
booted another penalty in the 67th but blotted his performance by sending over a
floated pass that was intercepted by Campagnaro, who raced clear from inside his
own half to dive over. Italy couldnt complete the recovery, and remains with
just one away win in the Six Nations -- at Scotland. "As a captain, I am very
proud of what the youngsters achieved today," Parisse said. "They were facing
some of the most talented backs on the international stage, but they showed they
can compete at this level."
http://www.sportingkansascitymlsshop.com/Authentic-Matt-Besler-Jersey/ . But a three-run homer by Ray Sadler turned a potential Sioux City blowout into
a home-opening thriller at Shaw Park.
http://www.sportingkansascitymlsshop.com/Authentic-Erik-Palmer-Brown-Jersey/ . Louis Blues continued on Wednesday night in Denver. After the game that saw
the Blues snap the Avalanches three-game winning streak with a 4-1 win at the
Pepsi Center to win their fifth-consecutive game, head coaches Patrick Roy and
Ken Hitchcock had choice words for one another.Melbourne, Australia
(SportsNetwork.com) - The Williams sisters are through to the fourth round at
the Australian Open, but both top seed Serena and No. 18 seed Venus had to rally
from a set down Saturday. Serena, a five-time Aussie champion, came back to down
26th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. Venus, a seven-time Grand
Slam champion, topped talented Italian Camila Giorgi, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1. It
was a rough start for Serena, who fell behind 5-2 in the first set, but then won
the next two games. Svitolina came back to hold at love the next game to take
the set. The final two sets were completely different, as the 18-time Grand Slam
champion and reigning U.S. Open queen won the first four games of the second and
throttled her opponent in the third. My next match Im just going to have a
longer warmup, more intense warmup. But as long as I was able to come through
today, I can always have an opportunity for tomorrow, Serena said. There was a
brief opening for Svitolina in the third game of the final set, but she blew a
pair of break point chances. Revenge could be a factor in Serenas next match.
She was the defending champion hheaded into the 2014 French Open, but lost in
the second round to Spains Garbine Muguruza.
http://www.sportingkansascitymlsshop.com/Authentic-Jon-Kempin-Jersey/. Muguruza, the 24th seed here, set up her match with Serena with a win over
Switzerlands Timea Bacsinszky, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. It was a good loss, Serena said of
her loss to Muguruza. As angry as I was, it was the best loss I had the whole
year last year. Had a lot of them. But that one in particular made me realize
what I needed to work on. It opened my eyes towards a lot of things. Venus was
two points away from losing the match to Giorgi, but then rallied. Giorgi
double-faulted 16 times. This will be the first time Venus has reached the
round-of-16 at a major since Wimbledon 2011. Its definitely been a lot of work
and a lot of learning and a lot of perseverance, Venus said. It will continue to
be that for me. Just have to come to terms with it. Next up for Venus is sixth
seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. The Wimbledon runner-up surged past American
Varvara Lepchenko, the 30th seed, 6-0, 7-5. Also Saturday, 11th seed Dominika
Cibulkova defeated 19th seed Alize Cornet, 7-5, 6-2; and Madison Brengle upended
fellow American Coco Vandeweghe, 6-3, 6-2.
Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jersey ' ' '
