Nick Mallet insisted Italy would continue to play to their strengths after grinding out a 27-10 victory over America.
Italian supremo feels his side's pack deserve more praise
Nick Mallet insisted Italy would continue to play to their strengths after grinding out a 27-10 bonus point victory over America that kept alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Although they scored four tries, the Azzurri did not produce too much in the way of running rugby as they opted to use their vaunted pack to wear down the Americans.
Indeed, one of their scores was a penalty try as Eddie O'Sullivan's side struggled to deal with Italy's scrimmaging power.
But Mallet was pleased enough with the performance which gives his side the chance to qualify for the final eight should they overcome Six Nations rivals in their final Pool C match.
Play to your strengths
"I'm sorry if the game was not as open as some would have liked but you have to play to your strength and we thoroughly deserved the penalty try, if not more," he stated afterwards.
"It's frustrating for me when the team gets criticised but no one criticises the All Blacks for playing with their backs and for scoring great tries because they've got some of the most skilful backs in the world.
"If Italy's sitting with probably one of the best front rows in the world it would be really ridiculous not to use that strength.
"It was a tense build-up to this game because I respect what USA have done in this tournament. But our major advantage is our scrum and we dominated them completely."
Of the critical showdown with Ireland which takes place on Sunday in Dunedin, he added: "Ireland played very well against Australia and dominated them physically but we know we have the better front-row and we will try to prove that.
"Hopefully those guys can put us on the front foot and that will make it more difficult for Ireland."
Clever proud of players
US skipper Todd Clever acknowledged that Italy's extra know-how, especially up front, had proved crucial in their success.
However, the 28-year-old flanker insisted he was delighted with his team's efforts at the tournament.
"We gave it our all but in the end it wasn't enough against such a strong Italian side," he declared.
"You can tell they're a Six Nations team and they've gotten some wins because they know what to do under pressure.
"I felt the guys did well in the scrums and we weren't sure about some of the calls but that didn't help when we were a man down and that area put us under a lot of pressure.
"But I'm super proud of the guys. We played for each other, for the fans and all Americans back home and I believe we are going to be a great team in the future."
