6N 2017: Italy v France

Good start by Italy with a nice early try and some other good attacking play - shame they didn't play more positively like this last time out ...

They are still using some of their Ghost ruck tricks though.

Defence optional for both teams.

They are reverting to type though as france hit back.

Oh dear ...

Is Parisse just a big ol' Mr Winklechops??

Yes he's talented, but he comes across pretty badly when interacting with the ref

Italy's tactic costing them penalties as they get it wrong ...

Maybe costing some pens but it's also allowing them to legally slow ball down when the ref tells Gori to get out instead of blowing the whistle

Italy's tackling has been woeful. 31 missed tackles at 48 minutes, and an easy try to Vakatawa results from one there.

Feel like Italy have some decent backs, while French wingers don't really believe in defending, so could do with putting more width on the ball IMO.

And again, a straightforward first up tackle is missed, admittedly Picamoles is not the easiest bloke in the world to tackle! Easy try, France's third.

Italy had actually had 20 minutes prior to that, but couldn't score from a long-ish period in the French 22. For me their effort has been mostly better, but the basics so poor.

Every forward should study videos of Picamoles to learn how to carry. Not just his power but his balance and technique is incredible.

mid_gen wrote:Every forward should study videos of Picamoles to learn how to carry. Not just his power but his balance and technique is incredible.

He's outstanding.

Italian defence has been so soft it looks like as long as France manage 5 passes in a row there is a try coming.

WhoCares - what is the score and have you been pleased with France?

France just take too many risks. Some of the handling is great and then they try a no look reverse pass in contact.

So easy

38-11 with the BP try just scored by Dulin.

O'Shea needs to concentrate on improving the Italians basics rather than persisting with these no ruck tactics.

40-11 now

Not really pleased by what I saw really.
Was hoping for a bit more structured plays from France but they spend most of their time trying to make that last impossible pass and knocking on the ball or getting isolated.
Luckily Italy is a very limited side but Wales will be a very tough test for us.

40-18 final score.

Hammersmith harrier wrote:O'Shea needs to concentrate on improving the Italians basics rather than persisting with these no ruck tactics.

Indeed - barely 50% tackles made ..

Typical - I had France by 28, looking good until they let Italy score in extra time

It is odd that oshea and his crew are coming out with kudos for this tournament despite it being Italy worst overall showing for a very long time.