Slim hopes for Italy in the face of the mighty French

The 2021 Six Nations tournament will open with a clash on the Continent as the French travel to Rome with the aim of stamping their authority on their Italian rivals.

Under the guidance of the wily Fabien Galthie, France shot to prominence in last year’s competition, toppling World Cup finalists England, 24-17, in the first round. Their only slip-up in came in Round 4, where they were unexpectedly defeated by the Scots.

In the end, France came painfully close to being crowned champions, losing out to the English on points difference alone.

By contrast, Italy endured a miserable campaign – unable to post even a single victory from their five outings. Their smallest margin of defeat came against the French at Stade de France with Les Bleus running out 35-22 victors. The Italians began their campaign in a woeful manner; being thumped 42-0 by Wales in Round 1 and appeared unable to recover.

In the Round 2 clash, France were overwhelming favourites to take the honours and delivered on the expectations. They hit the ground running in the first twenty minutes, dominating play and running up a 13-0 lead. Italy hit back with a try and a penalty to go within 3 points of the French, however, their hope was dashed as France initiated a strong finish which took the score to 23-10 at the break.  The Tricolores kept the foot on Italy’s throat in the second stanza, adding two more tries for a tally of five and victory.

The last time the two met was in Round 3 of the Autumn Nations Cup where France, who put together a magnificent overall display in the tournament, outdid their foes once again, this time 36-5. After appearing somewhat off the boil in the first half, France grew in confidence as the game progressed, consolidating a performance to which Italy had little answer.

The historical perspective is heavily in France’s favour; of the 43 encounters, France have won 40 and Italy, 3, with a total of 1339 points in France’s name and 508 for the Italians.

With the odds heavily stacked against the Italians, should they pull off an upset this weekend against their French counterparts, it will be talked about for some time to come. France are in a powerful space at the moment and should not be much troubled in Round 1.