Italy were dealt their fifth defeat of this year’s Guinness Six Nations Championship at the Stadio Olimpico as they were downed 14-25 by France – but things could have been very different.
Damian Penaud had a hand in the two biggest moments of the match, first knocking the ball out of Marco Zanon’s hands as he looked certain to score before going up the other end and dotting down to seal the win for France.
The Azzurri were dominant in possession, territory and attacking minutes and looked the stronger side for the majority of the game but were unable to meet the requirements for a win despite their impressive statistics, sponsored by AWS.
Penaud influence
Damian Penaud found himself at the heart of everything that France did well throughout the match.
His 105 metres made with the ball-in-hand was more than any other player on the pitch while his four dominant tackles, of which one on Marco Zanon was match-saving, were more than anyone else managed.
Penaud’s work-rate was unrelenting but he managed the full 80 minutes on the field and it was a good job he did as he set up Antoine Dupont for his try before scoring a last-minute try himself to seal the win.
Steadfast France
With Italy’s dominance of the ball, should have come far more try-scoring opportunities – but for France’s defensive efforts.
France made 178 tackles compares to Italy’s 121, of which 18 of those came from Felix Lambey, who didn’t miss a tackle all game.
Camille Chat (17) and Gregory Alldritt (16) were very busy in the tackle too but it was Lambey’s presence at the ruck which helped him standout among his fellow forwards.
The second- rower arrived at his own ruck on 24 occasions and completed seven of his side’s 50 clean-outs to help hold the French fort.
Polledri on pole
Many of the match-defining moments will be remembered for debutant Marco Zenon’s involvement but a closer look at the statistics reveals that Jake Polledri was the main man for Italy.
The 23-year-old made more ball carries, more metres made (98) and more ruck arrivals (33) than any of his teammates.
Sergio Parisse, in what was possibly his final Guinness Six Nations appearance, and Federico Ruzza were also heavily involved at the breakdown but it was Polledri who dominated also making two tackle breaks and two offloads in the match.