Canada are off, to the excitement of the crowd, but they are hauled down meters short once more!

Jeff Hassler is chopped down brilliantly by Matteo Minozzi before DTH Van Der Merwe knocks on as Hassler manages to get the offload away.

You could argue the Canadian full-back was tackled early but the chance disappears.

Canada strip the ball in the tackle but Peter Nelson's clearing kick is charged down.

An offside blue shirt collects the loose ball and Nigel Owens awards Canada the penalty, despite the polite protest of Braam Steyn.

"You're confusing me," barks Owens as the pair exchange a smile.

On we go...

Canada knock on from the restart and it's the eighth penalty they have conceded.

It's the 10th time they have mishandled the ball and it just gives Italy the chance to regain possession and get back down the other end.

Nick Evans
Former New Zealand full-back on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

That score might be the one that breaks the camel's back for Canada. They need to get some field territory, keep hold of the ball and be the next side to score.

Ping-pong rugby being played at the start of the second half.

Possession changes hands a few times before play is halted for Matteo Minozzi to receive attention after the wind is knocked out of his sails.

That's what tends to happen when full-backs run towards props.

Peter Nelson gets us back underway...

Right then, the players have re-emerged from the changing rooms and we're all set for the second half.

Nick Evans
Former New Zealand full-back on BBC Radio 5 Live

Italy started off very well, were physical, kicked well, and scored too easily but since then they have been sloppy, taken their foot off the gas and not worked hard enough in defence and allowed Canada to have chances.

Canada will be feeling better about themselves the way they ended the half.

Moving away from Pool B briefly...

Wales lock Jake Ball believes World Rugby were correct to ban Australia wing Reece Hodge for three matches for a dangerous tackle against Fiji.

Hodge will miss the World Cup Pool D game against Wales in Tokyo on Sunday for the challenge on flanker Peceli Yato as the Wallabies beat Fiji.

"It's difficult, but looking at that hit I think it was probably the right decision... you can't really get away with it now with no arms," said Ball.

You can read the full story here.

Image source, Getty Images

That was a thoroughly entertaining half of World Cup rugby.

Italy took control of the game with a couple of well-worked tries as Canada struggled to get to grips with their intensity.

But the North American side grew into the contest and were only prevented from getting on the scoreboard by some crucial handling errors.

All to play for after the interval then..?

Image source, Getty Images

As expected, Braam Steyn picks up from the base of the scrum again but Gordon McRorie wraps up the powerful number eight before he can gain any momentum.

Canada turnover the ball and kick it dead.

It's just a penalty and the Canadian number eight is lucky to stay on the field.

Having reviewed the footage, Nigel Owens was set to brandish the yellow card, but he is outvoted by the TMO and the touch judge.

It remains 15v15 and Italy will have the scrum five metres out.

Time is off as referee Nigel Owens wants to check whether Tyler Ardron deliberately knocked the ball on as Callum Braley tries to throw the ball to his backs.

Italy have a five-metre line-out.

"Heaavveeee".

Here comes the shove.

Italy have the penalty as Canada fail to roll away on the ground.

Tommaso Allan grabs the ball and shapes up to kick to touch, but the clock is stopped as Hubert Buydens receives attention from the physio.

That's the kick of the game so far.

Canada have been revitalised in the last 15 minutes but Tommaso Allan looks up and pops the ball into touch, deep inside the Canada half.

Pressure relieved.

Pass. Pass. Pass.

DTH Van Der Merwe catches the ball this time and he's off.

He feeds Patrick Parfrey on the outside before getting it back off his full-back.

He then looks for Gordon McRorie on the inside but the covering Azzurri defence put the scrum-half into touch, just five metres from the line.

You have to tip your hat to the Canadians for their courage and intent.

Ciaran Hearn cuts a great line as he breaks through but Canada spill the ball forward.

Italy kick to touch and Canada have another line-out but this time DTH Van Der Merwe spills it forward as they move the ball off the top.

It's a greasy ball but the Canadians have to look after the ball better if they are to get back into this one.