In the highly anticipated Six Nations clash in Lille, France and Italy showcased a game of intense defense and strategic play. Posolo Tuilagi earned his first start for France, a decision that was highlighted as potentially game-changing. Federico Mori also made a notable return to Italy's starting XV for the first time in two years. The match was characterized by Italy's formidable defense, despite France's dominance in possession and territory. Italy was forced to make 112 tackles in just the first half, reflecting their resilience and strategic play. France, on the other hand, faced challenges in converting their opportunities into points, with Jalibert having a poor day and Lucu having a very good day. Key players Jalibert and Danty faced possible disciplinary actions that could impact the team's performance. The game remained open with Italy only trailing by seven points at halftime, despite France's aggressive play. The weather conditions in Lille, with rain forecasted, led to the decision to close the stadium's roof, ensuring that the match could proceed without weather disruptions.
France lose Jalibert and Danty (looks a red) while Italy are street fighting their way back into the game. Fun 40 to come
The great escape, IS ON. Italy only down seven at HT, despite being under assault for 90% of the half. Danty could be in real trouble as well… 👀 👀 👀 #GuinnessSixNations
Pretty exciting half of rugby that. Huge second for Italy, showed signs at the end of how they can attack. #FRAvITA
Tense half-time now for Danty. Could have yellow card upgraded. Head on head - no dip. Italy have shown amazing tenacity with their scramble defence to keep this Test alive - aided by untidy French play in ‘red zone’.
Italy made 122 tackles last year v France in 6N, 162 in the RWC match. 112 in the 1st half today
🇫🇷 HALF TIME 🇮🇹 France have been relentless but not ruthless. They will be disappointed not to be further ahead on the scoreboard considering their dominance. Italy will be in with a chance if momentum swings. The loss of Jalibert and Danty for France could be severe. https://t.co/jZSLcCaAhc
IT’S ON!!! Real opportunity for Italy in this second half. https://t.co/RjHPMhaTPd
Italy really finding their rhythm in defence now after a poor start. On the flipside, France's backs have been so wasteful in the 22.
Phenomenal defence from Italy in this first half. How they haven’t conceded more, we do not know. This game is still very much there for them. The momentum will swing at one point.
This defensive effort from Italy is absolutely unbelievable. France very inaccurate, but they’re being made to work for every inch. #GuinnessSixNations
You can fault Italy for quite a few things but not their appetite for tackling in this first half. Good backs against the wall effort.
Italy have done very well to stay in this game. France have been brutal. Could have been 30-0 so far. If they can keep it at 10-0 going into half time then it could still be all to play for in the second half.
France making real heavy weather of the endless great attacking opportunities Italy are handing them. Jalibert having a fairly poor day, Lucu a very good day, France's forwards on fire, slightly let down by their backs at the moment.
I think Italy need to take Shaun Edwards’ advice… The rugby they’re playing in their own half is crazy. #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/K7AotXCHQ9
That’s great defence from Italy given the power France are coming at them with. But those efforts will pay dividends for France later in the contest, completely saps the energy out of a defence. #GuinnessSixNations
Much better defensive set from Italy there. The problem is that every tackle they're making has to be a double tackle and no-one is free to then challenge the ball.
Fun watching France play like they're pissed off.
France have won the toss and will kick off #fraita #GuinnessSixNations #nefaisonsxv #SixNationsRugby https://t.co/UgihM6f8mE
Follow the live action as France and Italy clash in Lille. #GuinnessM6N 🇫🇷 FRAvITA 🇮🇹 https://t.co/LhjWaLikCJ
At least the weather won’t be a problem in Lille. Cracking summary pre-match from Shaun Edwards on Posolo Tuilagi’s role for @FranceRugby: “To give us go-forward and to stop them getting go-forward”. Shaun’s brilliant! #FRAvITA @SixNationsRugby https://t.co/6XqbCFEbq8
France v Italy: Six Nations – live https://t.co/tw8Ey7YbNz
🗣️ "We have a roof here now!" Shaun Edwards speaks to @topsy_ojo ahead of France's #GuinnessSixNations clash against Italy 🍿 Catch the action live on ITV1 from 2:15pm! https://t.co/YUof67I2Px
The final fixture of Round 3️⃣ is coming up! 🇫🇷 France vs Italy 🇮🇹 is live on ITV1 from 2:15! 🗣️ @JillADouglas @MaggieAlphonsi @BenjaminKayser @sergioparisse 🎙️ @andNickMullins @davidflatman @nolli15 #GuinnessSixNations | #FRAvITA https://t.co/ZL13pxN8JE
The roof will be shut in Lille tomorrow for France v Italy rain is forecast so good job 👍 #fraita #GuinnessM6N #SixNations2024 https://t.co/uG4UHs3qr0
BREAKING: France forced into late change to XV ahead of Italy clash #XVdeFrance #FRAvITA #GuinnessSixNations Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/L15nr3jO5M
🗣️ "Defence could be the defining factor in this game’s outcome and Italy will have to show considerable improvement." 🇫🇷🇮🇹 We preview the highly anticipated encounter in Lille. #FRAvITA #GuinnessM6N https://t.co/nx6R7ZS3wV
What Posolo Tuilagi has done to earn his first start for France #GuinnessSixNations #XVdeFrance #FRAvITA Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/YfJ69jLZG2
France heading to Lille #FRAITA #SixNations #GuinnessM6N #NeFaisonsXV Photo courtesy @FranceRugby https://t.co/oVfwYEadYW
Team News 🏉 🇫🇷 Posolo Tuilagi and Paul Boudehent start for France. 🇮🇹 Federico Mori returns to the starting XV for the first time in 2 years. Let's hear your predictions for this game? 👀 #FRAvITA #sixnations https://t.co/OXJ1vgQIhV