7 replies to this topic

[sparky]

France look rusty in their first game. Italy are having the better of it at scrum and line out time. But France have too much pace in more open play.

One terrible piece of Italian defence led to a try to Rougerie and one excellent bit of French flair and poor Italian defence led to a try to left wing Malzieu. Then pace from Clerc after a Trinc-Duc grubber led to the 3rd try.

25-9 to France but they are playing a long way from the standard we saw from them in the RWC.

[sparky]

It finished 30-12 to France. A good first win for Saint-Andre's reign in freezing temperatures. The French defence was rarely challenged but their scrum and lineout need work. They have some fast backs who finish well, Clermonts' Wesley Fofana and Julien Malzieu look lively additions to their side.

[Mooloo]

sparky said:

25-9 to France but they are playing a long way from the standard we saw from them in the RWC.

France were utter crap for most of the RWC, including a loss to Tonga, and only a narrow win when a man up for pretty much the whole game against Wales.

If they're rubbish, then it is normal service resumed, after the aberration of the final.

[Duluth]

They weren't rubbish - France played well for long periods of the game. They didn't finish as well as they could have but that was an ominous start to the championship

Malzieu was very impressive - elusive, big and has good pace. It's good to see a genuine finisher on the end of the chain

[mariner4life]

Yea, i thought France were pretty good as well. Set piece needs some work though. The French are blessed with 4 top quality backrow forwards, they are all weapons.

They have the makings of the best team in Europe, if they are there mentally remains to be seen

[sparky]

If France can get their front five into decent form, then they are strong favourites for the Championship and possibly the Grand Slam. They have better back row players, half backs and outside backs than any of the other six nation teams.

[taffyjoe]

I thought that Italy were pretty sprightly. Attempted to play some rugby (although sometimes at the wrong time/place).

If their 10 can be a bit more controling and they start with a different 9, be more clinical and get the ball to stick they have a great chance of turning England over in Rome next week.

[mushtaq]

taffyjoe said:

I thought that Italy were pretty sprightly. Attempted to play some rugby (although sometimes at the wrong time/place).

If their 10 can be a bit more controling and they start with a different 9, be more clinical and get the ball to stick they have a great chance of turning England over in Rome next week.

I thought their 9 played quite well?