Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match Gregory Alldritt emphasised Shaun Edwards’ impact on the team after France moved to the top of the Championship table with a 35-22 win over Italy.
Edwards ended his 12-year spell with Wales after the 2019 Rugby World Cup to become France’s new defence coach.
And the 53-year-old has made a fine start to his time with Les Bleus, who defeated England 24-17 in Round 1 before seeing off Italy on Sunday.
Alldritt claims the arrival of Edwards ,who helped steer Wales to Grand Slam glory in last year’s Championship, has already made a big difference to France.
“Shaun is a really good coach,” Alldritt said.
“He brings a lot of energy and a lot of aggression and we are really happy to have him on our side.”
A Romain Ntamack penalty got France off the mark in Paris before Teddy Thomas and Charles Ollivon went over inside the opening 17 minutes.
Italy responded with a converted Matteo Minozzi try and a penalty from Tommaso Allan to close the gap to 13-10.
Aldritt got France’s third try while five further points from the boot of Ntamack gave the hosts a 23-10 lead at half-time.
The bonus point was secured on 58 minutes when Ntamack touched down following a scything run through the Azzurri defence before Baptiste Serin scored a sensational fifth.
But Alldritt credited Italy for making life “really difficult” as Federico Zani and Mattia Bellini crossed in the second half.
“It’s been two tough games,” said the No.8, whose side next face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, February 22. “We’re happy to win them both.
“It’s been really difficult. We knew Italy were coming with a lot of energy and they showed (they are) a really good team.
“It was really difficult to get the bonus point. We’re happy to have it.
“Now we can just get back to work and we will have two weeks to prepare for the next game.
“We’re taking it game after game and we’ll see what happens at Principality Stadium.”
