On a pitch soaked by rain that had fallen all afternoon, under the eyes of 6,000 spectators including Serge Simon, vice-president of the FFR, Didier Lacroix, president of the Stade Toulousain or former player Philippe Sella, the French Jean-Marc Bederede showed great skill in gradually suffocating the valiant Italians who were too messy at the end of the match. They largely won (41-15) on Friday against Italy to start their Six Nations Tournament.
France scored a first try in the 14th minute by their left winger Enzo Reybier following a well-executed counter-attack, punctuated by a chistera from scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau, then two other tries were to be scored by Émile Dayral and Axel Bevial. A strong try from the Italian pack gave the baby Nazionale some hope just before half-time (22-7).
The Italians returned reinvigorated on the lawn of André-et-Guy Boniface like this angry try in the 43rd from winger Lorenzo Pani. In the 72nd, the rear Max Auriac scored a try a little against the tide, giving the offensive bonus point to France, which he transformed himself (38-15). Auriac healed the goal average of the Bleuets by scoring a penalty in the 78th (41-15), score on which the two teams finally parted.
In the other matches of the evening, England won in Scotland (41-25) and Ireland outclassed Wales (53-5).