In a thrilling match-up in the Men’s Six Nations, Italy faced off against France, resulting in a high-scoring game that saw France dominate with a final score of 73-24. France’s impressive performance, marked by 11 tries, sets the stage for a potential Six Nations decider with Ireland who is chasing the Grand Slam.
The game started with Italy taking the lead through a try by Tommaso Menoncello, but France quickly answered back with three tries from Mickael Guillard, Peato Mauvaka, and captain Antoine Dupont. Despite a try from Ignacio Brex giving Italy hope, France continued to dominate with additional tries from Paul Boudehent and Leo Barre.
As the second half unfolded, France maintained their momentum with tries from Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and a second from Antoine Dupont. Paolo Garbisi managed to score the third try for Italy, but France finished strong with tries from Leo Barre, Theo Attissogbe, and Pierre-Louis Barassi.
This match not only saw France break the championship record for most tries in a match with 14, but it also marked their highest score in the Six Nations. With a total of 73 points, France’s performance ranks as the second-highest points scored by a team in a championship game.
Following this impressive victory, France now sits three points behind Ireland in the standings. Their upcoming match against Ireland in Dublin on March 8th will be crucial in determining the Six Nations title. Meanwhile, Italy will be facing England at Allianz Stadium on March 9th.
With a potential chance to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2022, France heads to Dublin with the knowledge that a victory could put them in pole position for the title due to their superior points difference. The stage is set for an exciting finale as the tournament unfolds.
Team Lineups and Referee
Italy:
Starting: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Gesi; Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ferrari; N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.
Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Trulla.
France:
Starting: 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.
Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
This thrilling match has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Men’s Six Nations tournament, with France poised to make a strong push for the title. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches to see who will emerge victorious in this fiercely contested championship.
