United States’ World Rugby Classic is over for another year after they were undone by two errors that were clinically punished by Italy in the first Plate semi-final last night.

In dreadful conditions at North Field, National Sports Centre, US had possession for large periods of an ugly game but handling errors and an inability to break through the Italy defence cost them dear.

With the rain coming down, players from both sides struggled in a drab opening 25 minutes. The game lit up, though, when US lost control of the ball at the breakdown and Luca Martin, the Italy centre, scooped it up and ran 60 yards unchallenged to touch down for the opening score, which Ramiro Pez converted with aplomb.

It was tough on US, who had shown plenty of endeavour, with Louis Tulio showing impressive bursts of pace.

Italy, though, who had Alessio Girogerini sin-binned for killing the ball after a number of warnings from the referee, were really only troubled inside their own 22 once in the first half, with US making a hash of a golden chance just short of the try line.

The second period began with a monster hit — one of many — from Dennis Walker, the uncompromising US prop, but within three minutes the Italians had doubled their lead. Again US fumbled and again Italy took advantage with Marius Goosen this time striding through a gaping defence to score, Pez adding the extra two points.

Italy then had Marcello Cuttitta, their player-coach, sin-binned for persistent offending and this time US took advantage, with Jonathan Gray weaving through to touch down. Leif Gibson converted but, despite late pressure, they could not draw level. Italy will play the winner of tonight’s other Plate semi-final between Canada and France on Saturday.