France coach Philippe Saint-Andre was full of praise for Italy after seeing his team stumble to another upset defeat to their Six Nations rivals.
Fly-half Luciano Orquera kicked 10 points and Kris Burton dropped a match-winning goal as Italy belied their status as Six Nations also-rans to stun tournament co-favourites France 23-18 in Rome on Sunday.
France came into their opener buoyed by three morale-boosting wins over Australia, Argentina and Samoa in November, but under pressure to make a solid start - having finished a mediocre fourth in last year's edition.
Adding to Saint-Andre's task was knowing that on their last outing in Italy, in March 2011, they suffered a 22-21 defeat.
With Italy showing progress in their own November Test campaign, notably against New Zealand and Australia, France came to the capital ready for a physical encounter.
Instead, the hosts eschewed the errors for which they have become known and added their own brand of expansive, flowing rugby to frustrate France throughout a thrilling encounter.
"We need to congratulate Italy. They played very well, with a lot of passion, and kept the ball well," said Saint-Andre.
"We had control of the game when we were five points in front, but we lost the ball too many times and were not precise. When you are not precise in the Six Nations, you are punished.
"The first half an hour was bad and the last half an hour was a catastrophe. It hurts but it's only one game.
"The players are very, very disappointed. We prepared well for the game and we respect the Italian team. They improve each year, and in November they were unlucky to lose to Australia.
"Wales against Ireland was a fantastic game yesterday. Wales are very quick and physical, and we need to prepare very well and we need to win. It is not acceptable to lose at home."
Comments
carpelone says...
I consider the increasing abrasiveness of TOP14 as the main reason for France team unpredictability. TOP14's games are becoming increasingly dull and monotone, on one hand, consuming players, on the other, suffocating the natural attacking instincts of French players.
What do you think about?
I was at the stadium yesterday, and I noted lack of energy from the French team. In addition, I do not think that it is safe to underestimate Italy, especially at the beginning of the campaign and in Italy.
Posted 13:47 04th February 2013
Speartackle says...
Gracious in defeat. Nice words. Bravo PSA
Posted 13:27 04th February 2013
chancer says...
Same old France, players out of club position, very poor line out, too many turn overs and whole team sleepwalking in patches. If this is SA promise to play like the old France then perhaps he needs to get on the pitch and show how it is done with perhaps the help of Serge Blanco!
Posted 07:28 04th February 2013
NHsaints says...
Unless France 100% turn up for the rest of their games and Italy don't, I see a transitional scotland side and a weak welsh side falling to them and Italy to finish 3rd (at worst 4th). At first glance then it would seem the rankings will end England - 1, Ireland - 2, Italy - 3, France - 4, Wales -5, Scotland - 6. Although there is very much the capacity for Ireland to upset England for top spot and Wales to lose to Scotland...
Posted 21:42 03rd February 2013
ciaran1792 says...
I tip my hat to Saint-Andre a true gentleman. Italy are a good team and can beat anyone on their day they were impressive in attack. France lacked a little urgency but we all know the French will turn up for the Wales game. Good luck to all and hear's to a competitive 6 nations. This is the best rugby I have seen from the 6 nations in quite some time :) .
Posted 21:41 03rd February 2013
Bambo says...
PSA; the new ML? How disappointing. Is it too soon to leave already? I think at this point in his tenure ML was preparing for a Grand Slam?
Posted 21:38 03rd February 2013