Antoine Dupont to the fore as France run riot with 11-try thrashing of Italy
If there were questions over France’s ability to finish teams off after coughing up numerous chances against England a fortnight ago, they have been thoroughly put to bed. A ruthless 11-try demolition of a handy Italy side on their own patch served as a reminder that, on their day, there are few better outfits in rugby than a French team in full flow.
Fabien Galthié, the head coach, made some bold selection decisions, dropping his ace wing Damian Penaud and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert from the match-day 23. A seven-one bench split was a sign of the plan and France’s power game duly delivered. They stomped over the gainline with just about every carry, unloaded six heavies off the bench in one go on 48 minutes and pulverised the Italians, who sparkled on rare occasions but were totally outgunned.
France’s eye-watering 73-point haul is the second-highest in Six Nations history and with this win they leapfrogged England into second in the table. If they beat Ireland in Dublin they could yet be champions.
There were early warning signs as the magnificent Louis Bielle-Biarrey had a try chalked off on 10 minutes after Thomas Ramos, shifting from full-back to fly-half, sprayed a forward pass in the buildup. Soon after, Tommaso Menoncello burst through a gap in midfield on the angle to hand Italy the lead. It was little more than a false dawn.
Mickaël Guillard then carried three Italian defenders on his back to score his first Test try. After a Tommaso Allan penalty, Peato Mauvaka rumbled over off the back of a lineout maul. Antoine Dupont then rounded off a slick move sparked by Léo Barré’s lightning feet and hands. Dupont was officially recognised as the player of the match, but it was the French full-back who was instrumental in so much that worked in the backline.
Juan Ignacio Brex kept the try tally ticking and Italy within touching distance. Once again the French midfield of Yoram Moefana and Pierre‑Louis Barassi was pulled apart like a freshly baked croissant. If there’s one area of concern for France it is their weakness against first‑phase strike‑plays from set pieces. Ireland will no doubt target them there.
