Samoa upsets Italy 33-25 in first game under new coach Schwalger

APIA, Samoa (AP) — Samoa came from 10 points down to upset Italy 33-25 in the first rugby test for new coach Mahonri Schwalger and new captain Theo McFarland at Apia Park on Friday.

Italy, near to its full-strength Six Nations side and on a three-game unbeaten run, was close to its first ever win in the Pacific islands but wilted in the heat as Samoa, with eight Moana Pasifika players, scored the last 18 points.

After conceding an early try to flanker Izaiha Moore-Aiono, one of five Samoa debutants, Italy struck twice in quick succession.

Winger Monty Ioane finished a long-range attack while Samoa fullback Duncan Paia'aua was in the sin-bin, then new fullback Matt Gallagher, the son of 1987 World Cup-winning All Black John Gallagher, launched an attack in which Ioane sent in Louis Lynagh, the son of Australia great Michael Lynagh.

Italy's lead was cut to 18-12 by halftime after Samoa countered from an Italy knock-on near its tryline with a try to wing Nigel Ah Wong.

In the second half, a Gallagher up and under ended with a Garbisi converted try and 25-15.

Federico Ruzza made a try-saving tackle on Stacey Ili and Alessandro Izekor made a try-saving interception on Samo Malolo, but Samoa eventually found a way through by center Danny Toala to level the scores with a quarter to go.

D'Angelo Leuila's third penalty of the half pushed Samoa ahead in the 68th and the home side secured victory in the 77th after replacement back Afa Moleli scored on debut off hooker Malolo's offload.

Italy, 0-8 against Samoa and Fiji in the islands, heads to Tonga for the first time, while Samoa hosts Spain next week.

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