ROBBIE Deans's experimental Wallabies backfired rather than exploded for a scrappy 34-12 win over a second-string Italian outfit at a third-full Docklands Stadium last night.
Australia scored five tries to nil for a 2-0 series clean sweep, but only shook off the inexperienced Azzurri in the last 10 minutes with skilful tries to pacey backs Lachie Turner and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
With captain Stirling Mortlock, playmaker Matt Giteau and the entire front-row rested, it was hardly a match to remember for the Wallabies' generation next.
With the score 20-12 in the 70th minute, Quade Cooper, who helped the Wallabies out of jail with a late solo try in Padova last November, again snuffed out Italy's hopes with a neat flick pass to put winger Turner over to seal the match.
Replacement three-quarter Ashley-Cooper finished with the man-of-the-match award along with his two entertaining tries before a crowd of just 20,280.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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