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Latin rivals prepare for opener

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There is something special about the all-Latin clashes between France and Italy and the Garibaldi Trophy will also mark the opening game of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations at the Stade de France on February 6.

There is something special about the all-Latin clashes between France and Italy and the Garibaldi Trophy will also mark the opening game of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations at the Stade de France on February 6.

The ties that bind the countries run deep, with the Azzurri coached by a Frenchman in Jacques Brunel, and led by Sergio Parisse, the Stade Français No.8 who was named Top 14 player of the year after leading his side to domestic glory at the same stadium that will host the tournament opener.

For France the game represents the first match of a new era, with long-time Toulouse coach Guy Novès taking the reins, and after the disappointment of the World Cup, he is turned firmly towards the future.

“I started working with the team during the World Cup in the shadows, while respecting the tournament and the coaching staff,” explained Novès, speaking at the launch of the RBS 6 Nations at the Hurlingham Club in London.

“I never thought about it as ‘France not having the results so we have to change everything’. But it’s true that the state of mind of the young players in the team was my first priority.

“My first message was that they weren’t going on the pitch to enjoy themselves but to give the fans enjoyment.

“I say this with a lot of humility. We have a long way to go but it’s not an ambition, we have a responsibility. We know it will be very difficult.

Novès’ new game plan

“With my staff, over the last few weeks, we’ve tried to theorize to present the game plan to the players so they can take it in as quickly as possible and apply it on the field.

“If they can do that we want them to express all their personality so the French fans can be proud of them.”

Two of Italy’s greatest moments in the tournament have come against the French, when they collected back-to-back home victories in Rome in 2011 and 2013.

However Paris has not been a happy hunting ground for them, and with a number of uncapped players included and some key men missing through injury, skipper Parisse knows it will be a huge challenge to start with a win.

“The first matches are against France and England with new coaches and new captains,” said the skipper.

“But that is not a weakness. I think they will be really excited to play. (New France captain) Guilhem Guirado will want to show he deserves to lead the French team.

“It’s going to be really tough at the beginning of the RBS 6 Nations for us. It’s a chance for the uncapped players.

“From our point of view with a lot of injuries we have to build confidence whatever the result.

“As captain, especially with the ten uncapped players my job is to try to help them and give them confidence.

“There is a lot of pressure when you play an international Test match. The majority have not played in stadiums like the Stade de France. It’s an opportunity for them.”

Click here for the complete TV coverage and fixture list for the 2016 RBS 6 Nations