Allan stars as Italy secure 2019 World Cup spot

AFP: Italian fly-half Tommaso Allan brought up a century of Test points on Sunday as Italy beat Romania 32-22 to secure the crucial third spot in World Cup Pool D.

The 22-year-old -- who opted for the land of his mother’s birth rather than for Scotland where his father comes from -- scored a try and kicked 12 points to secure the injury-depleted Italians their place at the 2019 World Cup.

The victory means Italy’s French coach Jacques Brunel departs on a winning note after 45 tests in charge. But he failed to rectify the Italians sad record of being the only Tier One side never to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

Italy's fly half Tommaso Allan runs with the ball during a Pool D match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Romania at Sandy Park in Exeter, soutwest England, on October 11, 2015 - AFP