By ROBERTO BIANCHI
WALES will feature in a southern hemisphere World Cup for the first time since 1975, after John Kear’s men triumphed in a tense thriller in Lombardy, about nine miles north of Milan.
“We’ve got to identify everyone who is available for Wales, but this bunch who’ve already rolled their sleeves up and got their elbows and knees dirty are on the front foot,” said the victorious coach.
Kear, who led England in the 2000 World Cup and has also taken charge of France, added: “I want to see a higher domestic quota introduced for international football, then you’d see where everybody truly is at regarding their development – and Wales is at the forefront.
“At 14-6 down going into half-time we needed something and Anthony Walker came up with a special play. People like Matty Fozard have come of age in these games and I’ve been delighted to see how much he’s improved, and Phil Joseph was a giant in the middle.”
Wales debutant Danny Ansell, one of three late draftees due to injury, came off the bench to play a prominent part, but Kear was at pains to share praise. “We refocussed on how we had success and defended well, the basis of how we’ve triumphed. I’m so pleased in the manner in which we’ve qualified. Some players felt that they didn’t do themselves justice in the 2013 World Cup and are looking at putting that right.”
Young St Helens centre Ben Morris, who debuted the week before in the international with Jamaica, made a big impression, crossing for the opening try in the 15th minute after Fozard had broken clear and positioned him to the posts with an inside pass, Courtney Davies goaling.
Lloyd White’s kicks caused problems but Italy then enjoyed most possession and, on a third repeat set from consecutive dropouts, Colin Wilkie jinked on to a pass, Terry Campese levelling with the conversion.
Straight after, a fumbled kick by the visitors saw winger Justin Castellaro cross in the corner, Campese nailing the touchline conversion and a penalty after he was taken late in the 37th minute. Wales hit back immediately, Walker picking up the ball from the back of a scrum 20 metres out and crashing over, Davies wide with the goal attempt to make it 14-10 at the break.
When Italy fumbled a kick, Fozard sent Andrew Gay in, Davies edging Wales ahead with a terrific touchline conversion. Before the hour on the back of Craig Kopczak’s break, Fozard was again the provider with a popped pass for Morris’ second.
From there it became a tough, physical battle – Joe Burke having his nose broken – but Wales held on, a travelling band of 200 fans getting louder as victory grew nearer.
The Italians, who put on a day-long festival of rugby league including their ‘A’ team going down 26-16 to Belgium in the curtain-raiser, ran out of attacking ideas in the closing stages having twice dropped the ball in the corner. “It’s pretty disappointing but Wales were the better team,” said their head coach, Cameron Ciraldo.
“They had more energy than us, but we had a gastro virus in our camp. Some guys lost four or five kilos. We didn’t know if they’d play, but they put their hands up.”
