Italy v France Match Thread

[Sugarlump]

First topic message reminder :

Bonjour and Ciao.

After the best opening two matches of a 6N tournament for many years I'm particularly looking forward to what our counterparts from the continent can produce today.

France will be looking to crush the Azzurri after the upset two years ago while Italy will be looking to prove that the result was no mere fluke.

Too many potential French match winners to mention them all (TV coverage about to start) I'll update the teams in a mo. Hoping to see a big game from Masi and for Benvenuti to continue his progress and there's debut for lock Francesco Minto.

Lets hope it's another cracker!

Italy Team

Andrea Masi, Giovanbattista Venditti, Tommaso Benvenuti, Alberto Sgarbi, Luke McLean, Luciano Orquera, Tobias Botes, Sergio Parisse (captain), Simone Favaro, Alessandro Zanni, Francesco Minto, Quintin Geldenhuys, Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Andrea Lo Cicero.

Replacements: Davide Giazzon, Alberto De Marchi, Lorenzo Cittadini, Antonio Pavanello, Paul Derbyshire, Edoardo Gori, Kristopher Burton, Gonzalo Canale.

France Team

Huget; Fofana, Fritz, Mermoz, Fall; Michalak, Machenaud; Picamoles, Dusautoir, Ouedraogo, Maestri, Pape (capt), Mas, Szarzewski, Forestier. Replacements Kayser, Debaty, Ducalcon, Taofifenua, Chouly, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Bastareaud

[wales606]

Both sides making mistakes. If Italy can shake France a but, they could still have a chance here.

And Orquero makes a mistake

[Pal Joey]

Anyone remember when you could hear cigarette lighters being flicked in a pause of play?

[wales606]

France have lost 3 lineouts in a row now.

[Knackeredknees]

Can't remember but how did wales's line out go yesterday as it could be an area to attack next week on this display

[George Carlin]

OMG - how intelligent and erudite is Bertolami? Get that man in a studio now.

What has happened to Inverdale's face? He's looking increasingly like a cartoon of himself.

I think they could do with a regular Italian pundit on the team anyway in fairness.

Inverdull's had a haircut and I think he's been to the same partially sighted barber as some of the English squad...

[nathan]

Jiffy is sooooo annoying and condescending

[wales606]

Can't remember but how did wales's line out go yesterday as it could be an area to attack next week on this display

It went ok with Ian Evans calling - but they didn't really challenge Ireland at all.

If Ryan Jones starts in the second row then they might be able to challenge better.

I don't rate Szarzewski at all

[Cari]

13-18 at 50 minutes. French penalty which I missed...trying to cook dinner at the same time!

[tigertattie]

Been following the match on bbc website on the bus. Get home to watch the 2nd half and I discover the bbc can't even get the teams in the right colour.

Epic reporting from the bbc again.

[Cari]

Geraldhini you stupid boy!

That was a bit ambitious from Michelak. Penalty missed.

[tigertattie]

What's for dinner cari? I'm hungry

[kingjohn7]

Can't remember but how did wales's line out go yesterday as it could be an area to attack next week on this display

Wasnt too bad, but not good enough to prevent our annihilation next week.

[Knackeredknees]

More play acting

[Cari]

Lamb with minted gravy and veggies

[Knackeredknees]

Can't remember but how did wales's line out go yesterday as it could be an area to attack next week on this display

Wasnt too bad, but not good enough to prevent our annihilation next week.

The way the French ones going, it could be a tactic?

[Cari]

What a run by France, followed an equally good run from Parisse...

[wales606]

Has Parrisee been selected on the wing?

[Cari]

Jiffy's going to explode!

TRY Castrogionvanni!!!

[GunsGerms]

Incredible from Italy.

[mystiroakey]

Italy are making france look stoopid!

[wales606]

Excellent try!

From what looked like a certain try for France

[kingjohn7]

Amazing passage of play!

[Pal Joey]

An amazing counter-attack from Italy.

Castrogiovanni scores!

[GunsGerms]

Michelak has been apauling.

[wales606]

They say that Michalak is creative, just look at Orquera.

[Cari]

20-18 at 58 minutes!

[asoreleftshoulder]

This is a great match,the first time in ages when there hasn't been at least one awful match over a 6N weekend.Maybe the quality of the comp is on the way up?

[majesticimperialman]

CastroGiovarni scores a try for Italy. Italy in the lead 20-18.

Not looking good for Wales next week.

[kingjohn7]

Can't remember but how did wales's line out go yesterday as it could be an area to attack next week on this display

Wasnt too bad, but not good enough to prevent our annihilation next week.

The way the French ones going, it could be a tactic?

But all we ever do is kick long, I think the only time it goes to touch is when its sliced.

[Red Right]

What a game.

[Pot Hale]

Without doubt, this has been the best opening weekend of a Six Nations in a long, long time.

Full marks to all the teams.

[nathan]

Worried about playing Italy, they'll only improve.

[Cari]

Italian scrum half has been taking lessons from Mike Phillips it seems.

[George Carlin]

Wow - game on. Has the potential to be the game of the first round.

Going to be a barnburning 20 minutes. I don't think Jiffy is being condescending - I just think that he's really into the game.

Impressive Italian backs - hard, straight, running.

Look at the possession and territory stats. France are in trouble.

[Cari]

Without doubt, this has been the best opening weekend of a Six Nations in a long, long time.

Full marks to all the teams.

I was just thinking that to myself. Best opening weekend for ages.

[wales606]

Worried about playing Italy, they'll only improve.

And they don't even have Barbieri on the teamsheet.

[Cari]

I love Jiffy's enthusiasm personally.

[Cari]

Uh-oh Bastereau and Para on...that'll change things.

[George Carlin]

Fat Basteraud on.

[GunsGerms]

Worried about playing Italy, they'll only improve.

I disagree. They have a small squad. Id rather play them toward the end than at the start.

[Pal Joey]

Good ol' Derbyshire on for Italy.

[Cari]

Fat Basteraud on.

Bet you wouldn't say that to his face.

[Pot Hale]

I love Jiffy's enthusiasm personally.

Interesting revelation.

[wales606]

If Italy do win this, they have the potential to win in Murrayfield and to beat Ireland and Wales (Ireland almost lost 2 years ago, Wales have lost in Italy before and were under pressure 2 years ago)

Now that would be historic

Unlikely, but possible for this Italian team.

Italy need to take this beyond 3pts.

[maestegmafia]

What a game.!

[hodge]

Great game so far, think Wales could be in for it when they visit Italy

[Cari]

If Italy win this they'll have the belief to beat anyone. Wouldn't like to play them next week....

[wales606]

The Italian offloading game has really improved under Brunel. He is really building on the work of Mallet. Two fantastic coaches have really brought Italy forward.

[wales606]

OUTSTANDING

Excellent long range DG, really vital points by Burton

23 - 18

COME ON ITALY!

[Pal Joey]

Burton snaps a field goal.

23-18, 68th min.

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