Les Bleus to put Italy out of its Six Nations misery

 

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By James Mortimer, 20 Mar 2009 James Mortimer is a Roar Pro

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 France Rugby, Italy Rugby, Rugby Union, Six Nations

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French coach Marc Lievremont and his lieutenants will rest easy knowing that irrespective of the result against the Italians in Rome this weekend, their jobs are safe.

French boss Pierre Camou has come out publicly and defended his coaching staff, although he was cryptic in the manner in which he did so.

He effectively stated that his opinion does not alter dramatically after a win (against Wales) or a loss (against England), and that only one target interests him: the World Cup.

But surely the head of the FFR must be pragmatic enough to realise that nothing substitutes for winning, and that there is some issue with his hot and cold Les Bleus team.

A first half capitulation to England would not have been so bad if they had not risen to such heights in their exquisite performance against the Red Dragons. A win now against Italy must be achieved, considering that France’s next Test opponents will be none other than the All Blacks in New Zealand.

So far, this tournament has proved but one thing, that France is still France: wonderful one day and woeful the next.

The French players struggle to put together all of the pieces of their game.

Meanwhile Italy will head into their final match with a measure of confidence, after being close to pulling off the biggest Test upset in the last twelve months.

They, too, will look to build more momentum, before heading off to play a two Test series against the Wallabies.

Unlike their Six Nations counterparts, it is clear what the obvious flaw in Nick Mallets Azzuri is: they are bereft of world class players, with only Sergio Parisse being of World XV standard.

Still, Mallet is not without blame. His opening match selection brain explosion in putting Bergamasco at scrum half was a terrible gaffe for a man that has held multiple posts at international level.

If Italy had a top level playmaker, one feels that this could be a competitive side. But staring at their seventh wooden spoon in ten attempts, it is difficult to be too positive.

Technically, the teams will be well matched in the tight and the set piece.

However, a more illustrious loose forward trio and far more quality in the Les Bleus back line should see them prevail over a tenacious, but ultimately low class Italian team.

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