France vs Italy LIVE: Six Nations rugby result and reaction from Stade de France
Follow latest reaction from Stade de France after Les Blues opened their campaign with a win on Sunday afternoon
France began their bid for a first Six Nations title since 2010 with a 37-10 bonus-point win over Italy at a rain-soaked Stade de France on Sunday, as winger Gabin Villiere ran in a hat-trick.
The Azzurri, looking for a first Championship win since 2015 and their first ever victory in Paris, took a surprise lead when teenage debutant Tommaso Menoncello gathered a kick to finish in the corner.
France struck back with Anthony Jelonch and Villiere tries to take an eight-point lead into halftime.
Villiere weaved a path through the Italian defence to cross again after the break before Damian Penaud added the bonus-point score, and Villiere dived over for his third with the clock in the red.
France are level with Ireland on five points at the top of the table after the opening round, ahead of their meeting in Paris next Saturday.
Italy face England in Rome on Sunday, where both sides will be looking to respond to opening-day defeats after the English lost their opener in Scotland.
France 3-0 Italy, 7 minutes
The French scrum is anchored by the enormous Uini Atonio and predictably stable. Damian Penaud is thrust into midfield off the blindside wing and is over the gain line, developing quick ball. Opportunities appear as France then whisk the ball wide, and a stab through over the slippery surface just evades an onrushing Gabin Villiere with chalk on his boots sliding for the corner. Nearly. Villiere spills forward into touch and Italy will have the scrum.
France 3-0 Italy, 6 minutes
Man alive that is a thump! France absolutely hammer a long punt towards Paolo Garbisi, who is forced in to an unexpected retreat, like a boundary fielder who has rushed in too early. Garbisi drops it. France scrum near the Italian 22.
PENALTY! FRANCE 3-0 Italy (Melvyn Jaminet penalty, 5 minutes)
A banker for a man emerging as one of the most reliable kickers from the tee in Europe. A confident early strike from Jaminet and the hosts are underway.
France 0-0 Italy, 4 minutes
Dupont is tackled firmly but Italy are wandering free before the ball is out of the resulting ruck. Offside, penalty to France, and a first shot at goal for Melvyn Jaminet from 35 out, right in front.
France 0-0 Italy, 3 minutes
Another solid set-piece from Italy but France’s rush defence is in good early working order, twice thumping Italy back and forcing them to the boot.
Melvyn Jaminet’s first touch is a fine one - a rock-solid high claim under serious pressure. France clear.
Italy’s attempt at a long riposte clips a French hand and tumbles into the hands of Antoine Dupont inside the Italy half.
France 0-0 Italy, 2 minutes
But Cyril Baille is then picked out for a breakdown offence and Italy will kick the penalty back down into the French half.
France 0-0 Italy, 1 minute
A solid opening clearance from France. Italy will have first attacking ball near the ten-metre.
Efficient throw and transfer to the scrum-half, and Marco Zanon carries well in midfield. Centre partner Ignacio Brex then threatens to stride through, but France cling on and then jar the ball free, Jonathan Danty getting his frame upon it to win the ball back France’s way.
Damian Penaud arrives with ideal timing to clatter Monty Ioane as he claims a Antoine Dupont box kick.
KICK OFF!
Paolo Garbisi hoists high and France vs Italy is underway!
Here we go
Gael Fickou frowns as he figures out where to stand to receive Italy’s opening kick-off. And the ball is brought on by a little car! Good to see it back in work after its starring role at Euro 2020.
La Marseillaise
The French players don’t need to be in quite such fine voice, helped as they are by the home support, who rather tunefully drown out the accompanying music. Among those singing along is French rugby supremo Bernard Laporte.
Another fine rendition to tee us up for the last game of the opening weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments