France versus Italy match thread.

[Biltong]

First topic message reminder :

Date: Saturday, February 4
Venue: Stade de France, St. Denis (Paris)
Weather: Sunny. Daytime high -1°C
Referee: Nigel Owens


France: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Julien Malzieu, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Vincent Debaty.
Replacements: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18 Yoann Maestri, 19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 Lionel Beauxis, 22 Maxime Mermoz.



Italy:15 Andrea Masi, 14 Giovanbattista Venditti, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Luke McLean, 10 Kristopher Burton, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse (c) 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Cornelius van Zyl, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Lorenzo Cittadini, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Simone Favaro, 20 Fabio Semenzato, 21 Tobias Botes, 22 Gonzalo Canale


France will want to take revenge for last year's loss, I expect a 24 point victory.

[eirebilly]

I love it when France play rugby in their own 22

[ChequeredJersey]

But as I say that he misses

[Gibson]

Italy have butchered some opportunities. But now, at least they are making them. Its a sea-change in attitude and I admire them for it.

[eirebilly]

They have played well Gibbo, massive credit to them. France have just been clinical in their finishing whereas Italy havent. Italy will worry a few teams this year, especially England and Scotland.

[Shifty]

Not a classic though, typical Italy just defending though.
I think France may find their feet in the second half though and cut Italy to pieces.

[ChequeredJersey]

Watching with some Italians in the pub next to my Uni. They seem to be enjoying it. I can't see them winning though

[slartibartfast]

Are they earings? or a Double Ahura

[Gibson]

Not a classic though, typical Italy just defending though.
I think France may find their feet in the second half though and cut Italy to pieces.

Italy just defending Alan? Are you watching another game or wot? Jesus.

[eirebilly]

Italy are doing more than just defending Alyn, they have asked some pretty big questions of the French defence...

[slartibartfast]

bulls testicles?

[ChequeredJersey]

They aren't defending I think they've had the majority of the territory and have been pressing a little too hastily in attack, hence the handling errors because their players aren't used to it

[Gibson]

They have played well Gibbo, massive credit to them. France have just been clinical in their finishing whereas Italy havent. Italy will worry a few teams this year, especially England and Scotland.

I also think France will pull away in the 2nd-half and win it well. But, I am loving Italy's intent. Its miles away from the usual forward-orientated Italian fare. The PRO12 is showing up for them. It will take another 5 or 6 years and they will be taking France on at the same level. France were the same when they joined the 5-N. Took them years. Look at them now.

Its just a matter of time.

[Cari]

I want that French fans birthday cake hat!!!

[Notch]

Italy have had a lot more of the ball in the French half than vice versa so not sure what thats about! If anyone has been on the back foot it's France.

But Italy huff and puff for five minutes to engineer a few yards whereas France can score from anywhere, anytime. So thats the difference.

[eirebilly]

Two shocking restarts from TD this match.

Disgruntled French fans

[Notch]

Two shocking restarts from TD this match.

Disgruntled French fans

You can sort of see Mad Marcs point eh?

[Gibson]

Italy have had a lot more of the ball in the French half than vice versa so not sure what thats about! If anyone has been on the back foot it's France.

But Italy huff and puff for five minutes to engineer a few yards whereas France can score from anywhere, anytime. So thats the difference.

+1.

[eirebilly]

Well said Notch

[Redrage]

Italy are making a game of it, very plucky so far. France have been unexciting so far, but as ever look like they have some gears to shift through if they need it. Fofana not living up to the hype so far, Rougerie showing how it is done.

[Cari]

What's up with Picamole? He was eating the turf by the looks. Oh Italy, McLean should've got through!

[eirebilly]

Excellent play by Italy. Picomoles down and suddenly holes in the French defence..

[Notch]

Yes, it's true- I am Captain Obvious

[ChequeredJersey]

Yeah look at that defensive play from Italy there. Not a clean break and almost try

[Thomond]

Not many wingers would have the cojones to try what Clerc did there.

[Gibson]

Yeah look at that defensive play from Italy there. Not a clean break and almost try

[Notch]

Aye, and it nearly came off. These guys look very self-confident. Maybe too much! They haven't imposed themselves on the game.

[ChequeredJersey]

Once again Parisse is excellent

[eirebilly]

Picomoles is far and away the best player on the pitch. Parisse is again having a good game

[ChequeredJersey]

Looks dangerous for Italy

[Gibson]

Mon Italia. Believe!

Really have to be more street-smart here. Ok to have a go, but need to make the correct judgement-calls.

Id love to see em score a try. Or just pressure France into pens. And take them.

France coming now Ominous.

[Gibson]

YES!

[Gibson]

Gotta love Nige.

[eirebilly]

Gotta love Nige.

I think that he is the best referee as well as being the funniest

[eirebilly]

What was Burton thinking there

Try France.

[ChequeredJersey]

Italy should take a middle ground. Keep it tight with mauls etc THEN spin it and run it. Well scored France. Italy are finally using their backs but their forwards can do more damage than they currently are

[Gibson]

The inevitable is happening. French flair.

Really enjoying this one. Stay with them Italy. Heads up.

[Gibson]

Dayglo nails it.

[ChequeredJersey]

France are confident now...

[majesticimperialman]

France may well be 25 -9 up But Italy are making them realy play for every point.

[ChequeredJersey]

Dayglo nails it.

I don't have commentary what did he say?

[Gibson]

Dayglo nails it.

I don't have commentary what did he say?

Exactly what you said bud. You were seconds before him. Respect.

[HERSH]

terrible camera work so far.

[ChequeredJersey]

France are not getting this game easily

[eirebilly]

Italy are still giving it a good go. I would love to see them score a try

[ChequeredJersey]

Sergio Parisse at centre anyone?

[Gibson]

They deserve it Billy. Their execution has been slecht. But... By the end of this comp, it will be a different story.

Sonia wants Serges babies. Ha!

[Full Credit]

-2 in Paris, good lord.

[ChequeredJersey]

I am worried we might lose to Italy this year! Will reserve judgement until after the Calcutta Cup

[eirebilly]

Sergio Parisse at centre anyone?

Sergio Parisse at any position

[eirebilly]

Theu certainly have deserved it Gibbo. They really are turning into a decent side.

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