By Lucky Maree
As the national anthems ring out in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome it is hard to imagine that the Italians will manage to stay within 20 points against France.
But then, just yesterday, it was hard to think that Scotland could beat England at Twickenham.
Can the third match in the Six Nations in any way live up to what we saw in the first two matches yesterday? The next two hours will tell.
First things first, though. Can New Zealander Kieran Crowley hope that his Italian team can get at least one try — and not concede too many?
As expected, after five minutes Italy are immediately in trouble when Italian scrum half Stephen Varney’s kick gets charged down by lock Thibaud Flament who scores under the posts. France lead by seven.
Then, when France become impatient, they give away a penalty after a sloppy scrum and Italy get three points on the board after 14 minutes.
On 20 minutes, France score the inevitable try after poor technique from Italy. But then, at last, there is a movement worth watching as Italy handle well and are rewarded with a penalty in front of the poles. Two tries to two penalties is a fair reflection of the match so far.
For the next 20 minutes, France show how good they really are, but it’s not a consistent performance. They score a try on 30 minutes but then Italy get that precious try they must have been hoping for.
At halftime, Italy are remarkably close at 14-19. And all the World Cup teams, all watching in their home countries, must be watching France’s glaring Achilles heel. The French want things to go their way all the time — and when it doesn’t, they become petulant and start playing like 15 individuals — every single player ready to win the match by himself.
For the first ten minutes of the second half nothing more exciting than a French penalty happens — but then the impossible becomes possible. France collapse a maul on their own try line after a powerful scrum by Italy. The ref awards not only a yellow card (referee Matthew Carley isn’t scared of those is he?) but also awards a penalty try. Italy are within one point of a miracle.
With 20 minutes to go you have to believe that France will still win, probably by at least one try, but either way they will have a lot to talk about at Monday’s training session.
Then the unthinkable happens. With 18 minutes to go, France concede yet another penalty and Italy’s Tommaso Allan slots the very easy kick to give the Azzurri a two point lead. Not even poker-faced coach Crowley can hide the smallest of smiles.
With 12 minutes remaining, France organise themselves well enough for wing Ethan Dumortier to score the bonus point try. The conversion takes France five points clear.
It seems a strange thing to say, but France “hold on” to win by five points.
Italy 24-29 France
Pictured above: Italy vs France
Image source: @sixnationsrugby
