France will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they face Italy in their third match in the Six Nations tournament.
"They get bodies around the ball. That caused us huge problems in Lille and causes problems for all their opponents."
Les Bleus trail unbeaten Ireland, who face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, by four points ahead of this weekend’s matches after a hugely frustrating defeat at Twickenham a fortnight ago ended their Grand Slam hopes. Galthie told reporters on Friday that “to play in this team, you have to perform well”, and he is wary of underestimating Italy against whom the French drew 13-13 last year only because Paolo Garbisi struck the post with last-gasp penalty.
“They get bodies around the ball. That caused us huge problems in Lille and causes problems for all their opponents.”Italy beat Wales in awful conditions a fortnight ago, showcasing a new level of pragmatism and boosting their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon for the second year in a row. “I don’t think like that, I know that we’re going to play three teams who are better than us, who have something extra compared to us, but that doesn’t mean that we’re playing with no pressure, that logic dictates that we won’t win.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Allan Returns at Fullback as Italy Names Six Nations Squad to Face ScotlandItaly coach Gonzalo Quesada has named Tommaso Allan at fullback for their Six Nations opener against Scotland, allowing Ange Capuozzo to move to the wing. Allan, Italy’s record point-scorer in the Six Nations, returns to the squad after stepping away last season. Quesada selected a lively backline featuring Capuozzo and Monty Ioane on the wings, with Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex in the center.
Read more »
Scotland Face Italy in Six Nations Opener, Aiming to Rebound From Last Year's Shock LossScotland host Italy in their opening Six Nations match, seeking to avenge last year's surprising defeat at the hands of the Azzurri. The Scots, despite possessing talent like Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe, have struggled to overcome their inconsistencies and secure a Six Nations title since Italy joined the tournament. Italy, on the other hand, has shown significant progress, aiming to build on their impressive 2024 Six Nations campaign.
Read more »
Wales Call Up Plumtree for Must-Win Italy Six Nations ClashWales has added Taine Plumtree to their squad for the crucial Six Nations game against Italy. The team is looking to break a 13-match losing streak.
Read more »
Italy Names Cannone for Six Nations Clash Against WalesItaly head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made one change to his side for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Wales, a potentially decisive match for both teams in the fight for the wooden spoon.
Read more »
Wales Seek to End Record Defeat Streak Against Italy in Six Nations ClashWales face Italy in Rome, aiming to break their 13-match losing streak and avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon. This crucial match pits two teams against each other, with Italy showing promise under coach Quesada and Wales desperately seeking a win.
Read more »
Ntamack to Miss Italy Six Nations Clash Despite Suspension ReductionFrance flyhalf Romain Ntamack will reportedly miss the Six Nations match against Italy due to a suspension. Although his initial three-week ban was reduced after completing a World Rugby tackle safety programme, Six Nations officials refused to count a French Top 14 match for his release. Matthieu Jalibert is expected to start at flyhalf against Italy.
Read more »