France hammer Italy to keep Six Nations title hopes alive

Men’s Six Nations

Italy (17) 24

Tries: Menoncello, Brex, Garbisi Cons: Allan 2, Garbisi Pens: Allan

France (35) 73

Italy and France could potentially face off in the Six Nations final if France scored 11 tries to defeat France in a high-scoring match.

The game, with 14 tries, broke the previous championship record of 12 tries in a match, and it was also France’s highest score in the Six Nations.

In a thrilling 52-point first half, Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello, but France scored three tries to regain control.

Before Ignacio Brex scored a try, the hosts were able to score, Lock Mickael Guillard, Hooker Peato Mauvaka, and Captain Antoine Dupont crossed.

Flanker Paul Boudehent smashed his way over the line for France’s bonus-point try, with full-back Leo Barre scoring to extend the visitors ‘ lead.

Fabien Galthie’s side refused to let up in the second period and scored again through Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and player-of-the-match Dupont.

The hosts’ third try was scored by Paolo Garbisi, but ruthless France came out strong in the form of Barre, Theo Attissogbe, and Pierre-Louis Barassi.

France’s 73 points is also the second-most points scored by a team in a championship match, after the 80 points scored by England against Italy in 2001.

With the results, Galthie’s team is three points adrift of Ireland’s leaders, who will face them in Dublin on March 8 and Italy will face England at Allianz Stadium on March 9.

The Azzurri, who have lost to France twice in Six Nations games in Rome, opened the scoring with Menoncello hitting a superb attacking line before flying clear.

In a surprise defeat by England at Allianz Stadium last time out, France had ruined numerous try-scoring chances and was determined to recover.

With lock Mickael Guillard scurrying his way over the tryline before Mauvaka dotted down from the back of a raging maul, they regained their clinical edge.

After making two of seven changes, Galthie’s side blew a potential Grand Slam in London, making fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and star wing Damian Penaud.

And Barre, Stade Francais’ full-back, who had been playing for Stade Francais, was one of the stars, thanks to Thomas Ramos’ move to fly-half, who made those adjustments.

The hosts were not going down without a fight, despite a clever switch between Federico Ruzza and Brex for Italy’s second try. Boudehent’s bonus-point try quickly replaced that.

A repeat of Dupont’s surprising, below-par outing against England never seemed likely, and the scrum-half was on hand to set up Barre with sharp feet and a short pass.

Knowing the points difference might be crucial to their title chase, Dupont’s excellent finish for his second try after the break indicated Les Bleus’ intention to keep their foot on the accelerator.

Early in the second half, Galthie unloaded his bench, which included seven forwards, to maintain the high level of intensity that had allowed France’s backs to cause more damage in the final quarter.

“We did a lot of good things against England, but we made mistakes when we had to score the tries.” Today, it was better.

“We know it will be a huge game in Dublin. Although we have two weeks to prepare, it will be difficult for sure.

Gonzalo Quesada, Italy’s head coach, said: “It’s very difficult when France play that kind of rugby, but I don’t think the score reflects the difference between our two teams.

Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Trulla.

France: Barre, Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey, Ramos, Dupont (capt), Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Guillard, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.

Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Roumat, Jegou, Jelonch, Lucu.