Centre Manuel Dallan, whose appearance was in doubt because of injury, was again injured. This time it was a knee, again with the appearance of seriousness for the brave centre, who defended with great courage all afternoon.

The emphatic No.8, young, tall, skilled Sergio Parisse was also helped from the field with a leg injury which looked serious.

Vincenzo Ieracitano, the Azzurri’s doctor, says he will not know the extent of the injuries till Monday.

The loss of these two players would be a serious blow to the exuberant Italians.

The injuries to prop Andrea Lo Cicero, hooker Fabio Ongaro and fly-half Roland De Marigny, who collected 15 points against Scotland, are not considered serious.

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