Italy ditch dual playmakers for French Six Nations clash

A youthful French side will host France in the opening Six Nations match of the year.

Franco Smith has rung the changes from the side that competed in the Autumn Nations Cup with one of the biggest changes seeing Carlo Canna dropping to the bench.

Canna was deployed in the inside centre role for Italy last year linking up with Tomasso Allan and Paolo Garbisi throughout the year but has moved to the bench for Italy's first test of 2021.

Replacing Canna in the 12 jersey is Benetton centre Juan Ignacio Brex who will become the 11th player to earn his debut under Franco Smith. Brex is paired with his clubmate Marco Zanon in the centres with Monty Ioane and Luca Sperandio on the wings.

With Matteo Minozi ruling himself out of the Six Nations, Zebre fullback Jacopo Trulla is one of two backs not from Benetton in the starting line up with scrumhalf Stephen Varney the other. Paolo Garbisi retains the starting #10 jersey.

Jake Polledri and Braam Steyn are both sidelined for the competition leading to Sebastian Negri being joined in the back row by Johan Meyer (7) and Michele Lamaro (8).

Gianmarco Lucchesi is joined by Zebre props Danilo Fischetti and Giosue Zilocchi as cover for the front row. Franco Smith has opted for a seven-two split on the bench which Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza and Maximbe Mbanda covering the back five.

Gulielmo Palazzani and Canna complete the side.