Louis Rainer's try-scoring Test debut in Italy's rare Six Nations home win over Scotland marked the end of an emotional four weeks for the winger, but perhaps the start of something even more emotional for the country. It was the beginning.
Is it England, Italy or Australia?
That's the question that has surrounded Raina, the Treviso-born, London-raised son of Wallabies legend Michael, since his breakthrough season with Harlequins, starring in the 2021 Premiership Final.
Although he was called up to England's training camp in late 2021, he was not capped and in February this year the 23-year-old announced his departure from Quins, marking the start of a new chapter.
Riner chose Benetton in his mother's native Italy, where his father Michael played from 1991 to 1996.
Two days after the announcement, the winger was named to the Italy squad, and a few weeks later the Azzurri won their first home game since beating Ireland in 2013.
“He's had a fantastic few weeks,” former England winger Chris Ashton said on the Six Nations Rugby Special. “It’s a good week for him to get his first cap, score a try and get a win like the one against Scotland in Rome.”
The high-flying winger pounced on Paolo Garbisi's grubber kick to score a second-half try, then lobbed the ball into the stands to signal his arrival on the international stage.
The try sent the packed Stadio Olimpico into a frenzy and brought Italy one step closer to winning for the first time against Scotland in 14 games.
emotional raina waved to his father His mother was all smiles as she came down the Olimpico steps to meet him after the match.
“I'm looking at them right now and my dad is almost crying,” Raina told ITV Sport after the match.
“I have no words right now. If I try one time and win one, I might retire.
“It's great that we've been working towards it all week. There was something in the air that made us feel like we could win.”
“Italy will definitely get better”
With none of the 2013 graduates remaining in the team, a new era in Italian rugby begins under the direction of head coach Gonzalo Quesada.
The Argentine took over from Kieran Crowley after a disastrous World Cup campaign in which he scored 96 points against New Zealand and 60 points against France, resulting in them being eliminated in the group stage.
Italy conceded 22 tries in last year's Six Nations, putting their place in the Championship in doubt once again.
However, as Quesada continued to promote aggressive rugby and strengthened his defense, he has only conceded 13 shots through five games this term.
Garbisi's stoppage-time penalty hit the post, denying Italy their first Six Nations win on Matchday 3 in France. Otherwise, the Azzurri will be fourth in the table and will be looking for a third straight win.
Meanwhile, Riner will be part of Benetton's exciting young backline next season. Among them is 21-year-old Tommaso Menoncello, who has been one of the Azzurri's standout players this season.
Benetton are two points adrift of the top four in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this season, posing a challenge for any team.
Former Scotland captain John Barclay says Benetton's development reflects the progress of Italian rugby.
“If you look at what Benetton have done in the URC and really come up, the quality they have and the style they're trying to play, you can see their potential,” Barclay told BBC Rugby Union Daily. told.
This year's success is not just limited to the top teams.
After finishing third and fourth in the past two campaigns, Italy U-20s continue to make strides against the Northern Hemisphere's biggest rivals with wins over France and Scotland in this year's tournament.
“Look at how the under-20s came through by beating France,” Barclay added.
“They have a really strong group and that is a concern for Wales and Scotland.
“Italy are going to get even better and keep getting better because they have a wealth of young talent, which I don't think Scotland or Wales have had since the Under-20s.”
Number 8 Ross Vincent is also 21 years old and has a high blue ceiling. Exeter's back row made a flurry of runs in the closing stages, setting up Stephen Varney's winning goal.
Technically still Domino's pizza delivery driver Originally from South Africa, he wanted to join an exciting project in Italy.
Italy's young side head to Cardiff looking to become the first team in Six Nations history to go unbeaten in three games in a row.
The beginning of a golden age? Only time will tell.