In a match to get the blood racing, two absolute heavyweights of the game who have produced some incredible moments in World Cup history go head to head when France take on Italy at Twickenham. Join The Roar for live coverage from 4:45am (AEST).
This game doesn’t bring its own huge story lines, not least of which is the likelihood that the loser will find themselves on an early flight home from the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Making this game even more important is the fact that both teams have been struggling in recent times.
In the four Six Nations tournaments played since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the French have failed to finish any higher than fourth (2012: fourth, 2013: sixth, 2014: fourth, 2015: fourth), and their record in the World Cup lead-in games was mixed.
They were well beaten by England at Twickenham (19-14) before turning the tables back on home soil (25-20) a week later. These games were followed by an unconvincing, yet much needed win over Scotland (19-16).
But, of course, this is France. And their unpredictability is one of world rugby’s most enduring stereotypes. You never know which France will show up on the day. If France fire, they can beat anyone in the world, no doubts about it. However if they don’t it could get very ugly.
The cliché, however, is actually reasonably accurate. At the 2011 edition of the Rugby World Cup, the French bumbled their way through the group stages, losing to both New Zealand and Tonga, before recovering to go within a whisker of winning the final against the host nation New Zealand.
And it’s not the first time they’ve done it, pulling outrageous performances out of the hat to beat the highly fancied Wallabies in 1987 and All Blacks in 1999 and 2007. It just shows that Italy will have to be on their game if they want the win.
If it is even possible, Italy have been going worse than France. Following a 48-7 World Cup warm up defeat to Scotland, Italy coach Jacques Brunel was forced to admit: “I don’t know what happened today.”
On top of that, their talismanic captain Sergio Parisse is out injured together with first choice fly-half, Kelly Haimona, and emerging centre Luca Morisi. In a side lacking creativity and scoring power, these are significant losses.
Historically, France have been all over Italy taking 33 of 36 matches. However, Italy have won two of the last five and will take confidence from that. Whoever takes this one has a foot in the door of the quarter finals.
So grab a croissant, a cappuccino and join The Roar for live coverage from 4:45am (AEST) and don’t forget to leave your comments in the section below.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ha ha...Japan...great stuff. I see you've put oz in that list...confidence growing Will?
PMan
Guest
Well done Will. You're the real hero of the day. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
riddle
Guest
well played on the heavyweights.. ;)
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Thanks for reading everyone! It's Sunday morning and I need to take my kids to swimming lessons, so I need to get going. Looking hugely forward to catching a replay of that South Africa v Japan game at some point today.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
A solid win for the French, especially seeing as they never really got into their stride. Honestly, it's hard to tell whether they played well within themselves or whether they are just a limited team. They were dominant at the scrum, and physical at the breakdown, but didn't seem to have a lot of guile in attack. I am not sure there is much there to worry the Irish, or the other tournament heavy-weights like New Zealand, Australia, England and Japan.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Heading into the final minute of the game, the Italians are hard on attack. They go to their natural game - working the pick and drive, and forward runners just off the breakdown - but there is no getting through the French defence. Eventually, they get a penalty, take the tap and we are back to the picks and drives and one outs. But an error ends the game. FRANCE HAVE WON THE GAME 32 - 10.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
France probe the Italian line, looking for that fourth try and bonus point. To be honest, it's one of the first times they have really gone through the phases all game. They turn it over, and the italians clear. French fullback, Scott Spedding collects nicely and is suddenly rampaging up the centre of the field! But from the ruck, the French are caught in possession and are penalised. Into the final minute.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Just checking my notes... I have the French making 424 meters to the Italians 258.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
75 mins ITA 10 - 32 FRA From a clearing French kick, Italy fullback Luke McLean decides he is the love child of Jonah Lomu, David Campese and Isreal Folou and takes on about 25 French defenders without a support player within 25 meters of him. He is monstered and turns over the ball. Surprisingly. France scrum.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Good defence from the French. The Italians worked through the phases, pick and driving, one outing and then spreading it wide. Nothing works, and the French manage ti bundle Baccin into touch when he gets the ball out wide on the right. Great defence.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Penalty to Italy, right in front of the posts. they could kick this to get within that crucial 19 point barrier. Instread they kick to touch and will have a lineout 5 meters out.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Who is this Pommy commentator? Is it Matt Dawson? He is calling for everyone on the park to be given a yellow card, I think. Settle down mate.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
TRY FRANCE! It's Nicolas Mas, who has only been on the park for a few minutes. It's his first try for France after 81 caps! He took the ball from the bottom of a ruck and, even though he was nowhere near the line, he slides the ball into the base of the post, which is of course all you need to do. The try is awarded, and Michalak converts. France will win this game. They lead 32-10
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
68 mins ITA 10 - 25 FRA From the scrum they kick deep, and the French bring the ball back. At the first ruck, big Furno is pinged for not rolling away. "Aw c'mon" he says, and I agree. That was a tough call. Mind you, the Pommy commentator wanted a yellow card! That only leaves me more convinced I am right.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
ITALY WIN THE SCRUM! Great stuff, Italy.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
66 mins The French win the lineout and go to the maul, which goes to ground. Some great camera work brings us closer to the French players buttocks than we might like to be at 6:30 on a Sunday morning. Eventually, another forced offload from Bastareaud creates a knock on. He should probably put the offload away for a moment, and just concentrate on running hard and straight. Scrum to Italy. Which they will be delighted about. on the 22m in the Italian half. Right in the middle of the park.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Penalty to France from the scrum. Tight head collapsing. They kick to touch, and will have a penalty about 10 meters out.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
France wins the scrum, and spread it to the right. But a poor pass from one of the French giants goes forward, and the Italians have some relief. Well, they would if they didn't have to face the French scrum again. Which they do.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
64 mins New props on for France, and they have a scrum in midfield.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Through the referees microphone, you can hear Joubert coughing. He should get that looked at. It's a long tournament Craig.