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Louis Lynagh joked he “might retire” after making a dream debut in Italy’s upset 31-29 Six Nations win over Scotland in Rome.
The 23-year-old winger is the son of Wallabies legend Michael but was born in Treviso and recently committed to play for Italy.
Lynagh was also eligible to represent Australia or England – who he played for at age group level.
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Lynagh ran onto a delightful Paolo Garbisi grubber to score a try and was swarmed by his teammates in joy.
His parents were in the crowd at a sold out Stadio Olimpico.
“Looking at them right now – dad is almost in tears, my grandad in Treviso will be over the moon, they will be so happy and I can’t wait to celebrate with them. This is one of the best moments of my life,” a jubilant Lynagh said.
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“I don’t have any words right now – one try and one win, I might retire!
“Celebrate, refocus and go again. No point over celebrating one win – you have got to back it up.”
The win lifted the Azzurri above Australia into ninth in the world rankings, condemning the Wallabies to their equal lowest ranking of 10th.
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It was Italy’s first Six Nations win at home in 11 years as the Azzurri overcame a 22-10 deficit after 35 minutes.
Italy scored the next 21 points to lead again from the 57th minute.
Scotland scored a bonus point fourth try with two minutes to go and went after the win it desperately needed to stay in the title hunt.
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The Scots reeled off 28 phases and the clock went into red as they moved upfield, until Blair Kinghorn’s offload to Sam Skinner was knocked on and Italy finally secured a precious win.
The Italians fell over themselves in teary celebrations as a full house of 69,689 erupted.
“We gave everything and I couldn’t be prouder,” Italy captain Michele Lamaro said.
“I believe 100 per cent this team can play games like this, we proved it two weeks ago (against France). We still have to improve a lot, but to bring back a win in Rome is unbelievable.”
It ended a losing streak of 26 home matches in the tournament, and a streak of 30 defeats at Stadio Olimpico.
Italy has been most successful in the Six Nations against Scotland but this eighth win came nine years after their last over the Scots.
Defeat dashed the title hopes of Scotland, who started as an 18 point favourite.
Italy have earned their most competition points – seven – since they joined the Six Nations in 2000, and will face Wales in the final round next weekend with a chance to avoid the wooden spoon for the first time since 2015.
The Azzurri missed an historic win against France two weeks ago when Garbisi’s rushed, last gasp penalty hit the post.
There was redemption somewhat for Garbisi right at the start of the match against Scotland when Italy was awarded a penalty and – just like in Lille – the ball again fell off the tee.
Garbisi smiled, stayed calm and sent the ball sailing between the posts.
He beamed broadly.
But Scotland surged into a commanding lead with two tries in five minutes.
First, prop Zander Fagerson barged over from close range after 18 phases, then wing Kyle Steyn crashed over.
Italy added to the frantic opening spell by scoring its own when first receiver Martin Page-Relo chipped and centre Juan Ignacio Brex collected the ball behind the tryline as he dived to avoid the left goalpost.
Russell kicked a penalty for his 18th consecutive goal kick but finally missed – for the first time in the tournament – the conversion of prop Pierre Schoeman’s try from a lineout drive.
Scotland led 22-10 but Italy closed the gap to six by halftime thanks to penalties by Garbisi and Page-Relo.
Scotland was also barely holding on by the break after Ange Capuozzo was held up over the line.
Halfback George Horne thought he had Scotland’s bonus point try within 90 second of the restart but it was ruled out after Schoeman was penalised for obstruction.
“Italy played better in the second half and got more points than us so of course they deserved it,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said.
“We came out in the second half and got the contact area sorted and created a score. But it was disallowed and after that we were ill disciplined. We gave away about six penalties in a row which let them back in the game.”
Italy made 213 tackles in the game.
“We showed the world we have the passion in the last few minutes,” Brex said.
“If you are tired, it’s not a problem, it’s in our blood.”
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