Five takeaways from France v Italy
Following an ultimately comfortable 34-17 victory over Italy, here are the five takeaways from the game at the Orange Vélodrome.
The game lives down to expectations
Everyone hopes that any contest will be a thriller but, let’s be honest, who thought this wouldn’t be a dreary affair? Both France and Italy are just not up to the required standard at the moment and it was evident, as neither team was particularly inspiring. Credit to the hosts for scoring two well-worked tries in the second half, but it was a game that had more spills than thrills.
Supporters vote with their feet
It is rare to see that many empty seats at a France home Six Nations game but it epitomises the supporters’ current frustrations with French rugby. The south of the country is the sport’s hotbed, yet they couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to fill a stadium smaller than the Stade de France. Hopefully Les Bleus can at least build on this victory and provide a platform to move forward as the Six Nations would be the better for it.
Lionel Beauxis is not the answer
He could well be the best French fly-half at the moment, with Matthieu Jalibert unfortunately injured, but the Lyon man is highly unlikely to win you a major international competition. One wonderful pass apart, which sent Wenceslas Lauret into space, Beauxis struggled to take advantage of his forwards’ work in the loose. Anthony Belleau is a talent and a possible option but, even though his current absence from the squad is because of disciplinary issues, Jacques Brunel does not seem to trust the Toulon man anyway.
Sebastian Negri to become Italy’s new talisman
With Sergio Parisse’s age seemingly catching up with the number eight – the Stade Francais player once again struggling to make an impact – they have found a new player to take up the mantle. Negri was superb against England but the blindside flanker moved up another level on Friday night, carrying brilliantly. He is a superb athlete and the French found it difficult to stop the Benetton back-rower.
Mathieu Bastareaud justifies his inclusion
There was much talk about the gargantuan centre returning to the fold and he was exceptional against Italy. Whether the Toulon man is good enough when facing the better sides in world rugby, that is the question, but you could not doubt his performance here. Strong at the breakdown, powerful in contact and a deft off-load for Hugo Bonneval’s try, Bastareaud produced an excellent all-round display.