RBS 6 Nations - France vs Italy - (04/02/2012 - 14:30)

[racingmetrofan]

Both sides looked pretty calm on the ball, Italy looked much improved from last years but France played pretty damn well.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Well deserved win for France, though I wish Italy had gotten a try.

Was impressed with Italy though.

This.

Italy showed some composure when going through the phases early on but little mistakes made sure that their early possession did not get them more points today. France looked dangerous.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Found it a very disappointing game, the only highlight was the drop goal by Italy.
Even the fellow-spectators in the pub were below sealevel: Oh look the French scored a goal :s

Well yeah, better luck next weekend

 

[jaunard06]

Italy improved under the coaching of Jacques Brunel that was former Perpignan's technician. Perpignan at its height was very performant at set pieces and Italy challenged the frenchs during the first half.
Their scrum will be a problem for all teams in that VI nations but only for one half as, unlike the other teams they have no world class replacement for Lo Cicero and Castrogiovanni, while France can put on the bench the likes of Poux, Barcella, Szarzewski,...this was visible after 60 minutes after the french replacements were done the french team dominated completely up front.

But basically, France's strength still relies on the same as before: defense and counter attacks. Too many balls have been stupidely given back to Italy while each time France kept their composure they were dangerous and went easily through the Italian defence. Doing the same against the likes of Wales or Ireland will be paid the high price...
Also, France still suffer in the rucks against all teams, not before they have a weaker third line but because they are always late to support the ball carrier.
Finally, foot game was awful, but I would say 'as usual'...

 

[groga]

Man you can see why Dusautoir is the best player in the world was everywhere!

Very impressed with italy will not be surprised to see them down England next week.

 

[welshglory]

I think it was a smart decision by S-A to start Debaty. He would have learned a hell of a lot from playing against Castrogiovanni. The French scrum won a few against the head as well so not so disastrous as some thought after all.

Italy still looked limited in attack. They passed the ball out wide but never looked like breaking the line. Italy needs a better 9 and 10 and a Francois Stey kicker.

 

[jaunard06]

According to ESPN Scrum France won all six of their own scrums while Italy lost 4 out of 9. My first impression was that Italy really dominated up front - until replacements - while it doesn't seem to have been so obvious...or can we really trust those stats ?

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[welshglory]

I think they're correct. The Italian scrum only won penalties from the front row. While the French pack power caused problems for the Italians and pushed them off the ball.

 

[madflyhalf]

I think France defence yesterday was awesome, very disciplined (not in terms of offside, sometimes they were and Owens never noticed, I mean the correct line of defence) and aggressive from all 15 players, and they often tried the famous "choke tackle". It worked 3 or 4 times...

 

[Mr.cyclopede]

Same 23 group extended for next week-end match

For the starting XV, would like to see Parra iso Yachvili, as we could expect a more dynamic match in the starting first minutes.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Same 23 group extended for next week-end match

For the starting XV, would like to see Parra iso Yachvili, as we could expect a more dynamic match in the starting first minutes.

I'd like that too, but after T-D's catastrophic kicking display from yesterday, I think Yachvili will start again (unless they start Beauxis instead of T-D, but I can't see that happenning in a home game)

 

[Mr.cyclopede]

TD missed two engagement kicks for sure, but I find him more and more safe and precise in kicking. His performance in latest Montpellier's match vs SF was awesome, and he had some smart interventions (even if not academic) yesterday, like this "aile de pigeon" that led to Clerc's try.

I find that Yachvili's kicks are really overrated, he's not that regular might it be in penalty kicks but also on up and unders. I suppose foot game won't be the same vs Ireland as it was for Italy, as it will be not time to give them balls, contenting with wait and see. We'll have to find secure line outs when in our 30m so forget the up an under by the scrum half from here.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Trinh-Duc's and Médard's kicking was disastrous*. They gave away possession all game long. If the back three had been, for instance, the english ones, we would have really suffered.

About Yach's kicking, I agree with you, but what matters is what PSA seems to think. I'd have Dupuy any day, and Parra is very good too.


*: I'm talking about long kicking. T-D's short, attack-oriented kicking is very good and also improving fast.

 

[Mr.cyclopede]

Agree with you on TD kicks weakness: long range and occupation ones.
On this Yach is not a solution, but swapping TD for Beauxis.

I don't really know what to think of Dupuy...I think he's a bit like Yach, not fast enough when needed and spend too much time moaning around rucks, even if it's oftenly justified with any refs/teams combines.

 

[Amobokoboko]

How did you guys rate Vincent Debaty, French prop jersey n°1.
Imo, The first 5 minutes he did a good job then his appearance faded away as the game went on.

 

[jaunard06]

V. Debaty was selected by PSA as he already met Castrogiovanni in Heineken cup and performed well.
I would say he was a little bit shy for his first test and had no time to prepare for that match. He doesn't have the same habits he has with Clermont, but if PSA relies on him in the future he'll become very difficult to push on the bench.

 

[welshglory]

See you Frenchies in Cardiff for the grand slam decider

 

[Saintjay]

See you Frenchies in Cardiff for the grand slam decider

Don't count your chickens yet mate. If France or England beat you your so going to regret that post

 

[welshglory]

A bit of banter never hurt anyone aye

 

[SelimNiai]

But remember kids, attempted murder isn't banter