The adversity was much less than a week ago against the English, but the Blues have done the job. If all was not perfect, the XV of France won its second success in this Six Nations Tournament by taking the bonus against Italy (35-22). But it will be necessary to erase certain errors under pain of suffering in two weeks in Cardiff on the lawn of Wales.
The retarded guys
He didn't repeat his mammoth kick from a week ago, but Anthony Bouthier did the back job for his second selection. If he registered the first try thanks to his speed, Teddy Thomas spread out all his defensive errors, which did not escape the Transalpine, passed by his wing to register a test. On the other wing, Vincent Rattez had few opportunities to highlight himself and went out on injury.
🇫🇷🇮🇹 The 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞 and the 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬! The Blues win their second game in this #SixNations 2020 tournament! 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐨 boys! 👏 #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #FRAITA pic.twitter.com/nFvSjEdqkQ
- France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 9, 2020In the center, Arthur Vincent applied himself in defense, multiplying the tackles for his first tenure. Impressive in this area a week ago, Gaël Fickou this time weighed more in the three-color offensives.
The half
Embarrassed by the gusts of storm Ciara, the half-opening Romain Ntamack lost two transformations and a penalty. But the first try (7th) comes from his well-felt kick, his relay allows the Blues to cross the line a second time (18th) and he pierces the Italian defense to offer the bonus to the Blues (59th). Another Toulouse Stadium player in sight, the scrum half Antoine Dupont , darling of the French fans. His breakthrough brings the second try and his magnificent pass for Alldritt allows the French to break away before the break. Ovated at his exit.
With a superb Dupont offering for Alldritt, France breaks before the break! Romain Ntamack transforms the test with the help of posts 🤫 23 🇫🇷 - 🇮🇹 10 #FRAvITA # 6nations
🏉 Follow the meeting live ▶ https://t.co/V5PWuGtF7J pic.twitter.com/X1kDqDePWT
The forwards
As expected, the third tricolor line was much less sought after in defense than against XV de la Rose. But it still shone in attack. Captain Charles Ollivon registered his third try in two games of the Tournament, and Grégory Alldritt , very prominent a week ago, also crossed the line and shook up the Italian defense. Less in the spotlight, François Cros set out to repel the opposing offensives.
Overpowering, the second line Paul Willemse marched on Italy in the first period, notably signing a devastating charge (36th), before being replaced at the start of the second act. At his side, Bernard Le Roux has done what he can do best: tackle with flying colors. But he was less precise in the exercise than against the English.
The first line had a good match, like the hard-hitting pillar Mohamed Haouas . The trio he formed with Cyril Baille and Julien Marchand provided the essentials.
THE NOTES
Bouthier: 6 - Thomas: 5.5 - Vincent: 6.5 - Fickou: 6 - Fail: 5.5 - (o) Ntamack: 8 - (m) Dupont: 8 - Ollivon: 6.5 (cap.) - Alldritt: 7 - Cros: 6 - Willemse: 7.5 - Le Roux: 6.5 - Haouas: 6 - Merchant: 5.5 - Yawns: 5.5.