Giteau was the second top-scorer with 17 points, claiming one of Australia's 11 tries and kicking six conversions, but it was the way he went about his craft that brought the crowd to their feet.

Certainly that was the case on the hour mark when he broke through the Italy line on their 22-metre line and then started running almost back on himself before sending hooker Jeremy Paul over near the posts.

It was one of the tries of the year and highlighted the world-class playmakers that Wallabies coach Eddie Jones can call upon in the middle of the pitch, where fly-half Steven Larkham and Giteau dominated.

The win was also Australia's biggest over Italy in eight Tests, beating their previous best of 40-18 in Padova in 1996.

Italy were well beaten before the half-hour mark, when Australia already held a 31-0 lead after tries by fit-again George Gregan, Giteau, Mark Chisholm and Tuqiri (2).

The Azzurri had not been helped by the loss of fly-half Ramiro Pez following an accidental blow to the head from Stirling Mortlock in the fifth minute.

He left the field and did not return, still receiving attention from the doctor in the dressing-room after the final whistle.

A Wendell Sailor try increased the agony for the Italians, and although Andrea Lo Cicero got them on the board with a 37th-minute try after Australian flanker

Rocky Elsom was then sin-binned but there was still time for Mat Rogers to give Australia a 43-7 half-time lead.

Italy hit back strongly with tries by Antonio Mannato and Marco Bergamasco, but it was never going to be enough as Australia ran in a further four tries through David Lyons, Paul and Tuqiri (2).

Italy's cause was not helped by Pez's premature departure but coach Pierre Berbizier refused to dwell on that blow.

''It was necessary to make a fair amount of re-organisation but it did not affect the result,'' Berbizier said.

''Australia are one of the best teams in the world.