Winger Lote Tuqiri led Australia to a record 69-21 win over Italy in a one-off test at Docklands Stadium today, the Australians scoring 11 tries as they outclassed the tired Italians.
Tuqiri scored four tries for the Wallabies, who have now crossed 23 times in their past two tests after a 74-7 thrashing of Samoa two weeks ago to set themselves up well for next week's test against France in Brisbane.
The win easily eclipsed Australia's previous best result against Italy, a 55-6 win in Rome in 1988, and maintained the Wallabies' unbeaten record in eight tests against the Azzurri.
Australia scored seven of their tries in the first half to take a 43-7 halftime lead.
Captain George Gregan, returning to the team after a broken leg, opened the scoring in the eighth minute, diving over from the back of a ruck.
Matt Giteau was the next to score in another man-of-the-match performance. Giteau was outstanding at flyhalf against Samoa but shifted into the centres to make way for the return from injury of Stephen Larkham.
The Australian backs were too fast and too skilful for the Italians and Giteau again effortlessly fitted into flyhalf when Larkham was rested by coach Eddie Jones after about 50 minutes.
"There were a lot of opportunities we didn't finish off," Giteau said.
"We played well in patches but hopefully we'll play good for 80 minutes next week against France."
Tuqiri, returning from suspension, scored his first two tries within the space of two minutes midway through the first half, the first after a strong Giteau break and some sharp passing by the Australian backs.
He scored again from the kickoff after hooker Jeremy Paul and outside backs Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers combined.
Experienced prop Andrea Lo Cicero crossed for Italy's first try three minutes before the break.
Lo Cicero drove over from the back of a maul as Italy exploited a depleted Australian defence after flanker Rocky Elsom was sent to the sin bin by Irish referee Allan Lewis.
Elsom was penalised for repeated ruck infringements and then drew Lewis's ire in the very next play when he tackled Italian lock Cristian Bezzi in the air from the ensuing lineout.
The Italians scored twice while Elsom was off the field. Winger Antonio Mannato crossed in broken play after a raking downfield kick by fullback Gert Peens straight after the break and flanker Mauro Bergamasco added a third try shortly after.
"Just playing our own game, that's what I felt made the difference at the start of the second half," said Italy coach Pierre Berbizier.
"It also showed character to rebound after the early whitewash," he said.
Italy's fightback was short-lived and they quickly tired after having only a week to recover from their 30-29 upset of Argentina in the second test in Cordoba.
Australian number eight David Lyons charged over in the 53rd minute to throw the momentum back to Australia.
Paul also crossed before Tuqiri scored twice more, his third try coming from a brilliant half-volley pick up.
"You can't ask for much more. There was a bit of space out there, so I'm pretty happy," Tuqiri said.
