France Runs Riot in Rome with 73-24 Triumph Over Italy
After suffering a narrow defeat in England, the French national rugby team, Les Bleus, bounced back with a scintillating display of attacking prowess, crushing Italy 73-24 in Rome on Sunday, February 23.
The Azzurri drew first blood with Tommaso Menoncello’s try in the 11th minute. However, any hopes Italy harbored of an upset quickly dissipated as France turned on the style.
Inspired by captain Antoine Dupont and fullback Léo Barré, who each scored a brace, the Tricolores ran in a total of 11 tries to the delight of their supporters.
Thomas Ramos, making his first start at fullback in place of Matthieu Jalibert, was also a standout performer. The PSG star was a constant threat in attack, justifying his selection.
Key Moments:
- 11th minute, 0-7: Italy scores the opening try through Menoncello.
- 14th minute, 7-7: France responds immediately with a try from second-row Mickaël Guillard.
- 21st minute, 14-10: Peato Mauvaka touches down after a dominant maul from the French forwards.
- 24th minute, 21-10: Captain Antoine Dupont scores a brilliant try following a slick combination between Barré and Théo Attissogbé.
- 30th minute, 28-17: Paul Boudehent secures the bonus point for France with a try off the back of a lineout.
- 50th minute, 47-17: Wingers Attissogbé and Louis Bielle-Biarrey combine to score France’s sixth try.
- 80th minute, 73-24: Pierre-Louis Barassi caps off a dominant display with a try in the corner.
Post-Match Reaction:
Second-row Mickaël Guillard expressed the team’s determination after the match: "We were all eager to redeem ourselves after the defeat in England. We will meet again soon to prepare for the crucial match, the final against Ireland. We have to win that match."
French Player Ratings:
- Antoine Dupont (Captain): A+
- Léo Barré: A+
- Thomas Ramos: A
- Mickaël Guillard: A
- Peato Mauvaka: A-
- Paul Boudehent: A-
- Théo Attissogbé: B+
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey: B+
- Pierre-Louis Barassi: B+
- ** остальные команды: B**
Conclusion:
While the result was never in doubt, the French team put on a truly memorable offensive display. The match earned a well-deserved "A" rating according to our grading system.
With a showdown against Ireland looming on the horizon, France knows that a victory in Dublin on March 8 would secure their first Six Nations title since 2010.
