France survive scare against Italy

Monday, 8 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LEAD-BOX France’s players celebrate after winning the match against Italy in the Six Nations Tournament - Reuters

Virimi Vakatawa and Jules Plisson shone in a new-look France team who secured a hard-fought 23-21 victory over Italy in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.

Coach Guy Noves made a winning start as sevens stalwart Vakatawa, who had not played 15-man rugby in more than two years, scored the first try from the wing. Damien Chouly and Hugo Bonneval also crossed the line and five-eighth Plisson kicked a conversion and two penalties.

Italy responded with tries by Sergio Parisse and Carlo Canna, who also added a drop goal, a penalty and a conversion. Kelly Haimona kicked a penalty.

The Stade de France was under tight security as the gates opened for the first time since last November’s Paris attacks when assaults on bars, restaurants, a concert hall and outside the stadium killed 130 people. French president Francois Hollande attended the game.

Former Toulouse coach Noves was in charge of his first game since taking over from Philippe Saint-Andre after France were knocked out of last year’s World Cup with a record defeat by New Zealand in the quarter-finals, and it was a close shave for his team.

France take on Ireland at the Stade de France next Saturday and Italy play England next Sunday. (Source: http://www.smh.com.au)