France head coach Fabien Galthie believes the 50-10 victory over Italy in the first match of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations was the perfect pick-me-up for all French rugby fans.
First-half tries from Dylan Cretin, Gael Fickou and Arthur Vincent put the visitors into the ascendency right from the off in Rome, as Fabien Galthie’s side got their Championship off to the perfect start with a resounding win.
Brice Dulin added a fourth try ten minutes into the second half to secure a five-point haul for the visitors, before Antoine Dupont and Teddy Thomas (twice) crossed as Les Bleus made it a magnificent seven tries in the Italian capital.
Luca Sperandio scored a consolation for the hosts late in the game, but that didn’t dampen Galthie’s spirits, with France laying down an early marker to their Championship rivals.
“We have the feeling of having prepared well. It’s always special to prepare for a match under these conditions,” Galthie told French television after the game.
“We will continue to play for those who cannot do it at the moment and the children [at home]… Thanks to all these supporters, we are trying to do beautiful things and bring them joy.
“It was our 10th game together as a group, an important game for us away from home.”
The visitors came flying out the blocks at Stadio Olimpico, with Cretin getting the first try of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations within five minutes of the first whistle, as the flanker burrowed over after capitalising on a dazzling run from Thomas to gain field position.
Jalibert and Paolo Garbisi then traded penalties, before Dupont’s deft kick put the ball on a plate for Fickou to touch down for the second score of the game, with the Italian defence nowhere to be seen.
And just minutes later, France were gifted a third try of the game, with Cyril Baille hacking ahead from an errant Italian pass, before some sublime play from Dupont set up Vincent to cross as the teams went into the dressing rooms with the score at 24-3.
And it didn’t take long for France to wrap up the bonus point after the break, as Dulin barged over after latching onto a crafty chip over the top from Gabin Villiere.
Dupont and Thomas both dotted down before the hour mark, before Sperandio produced a superb chip and chase to get Italy’s first try of the Championship, with Thomas rounding off the scoring with his second of the game late on.
And with a trip to the Aviva Stadium in store for Les Bleus next weekend, Galthie believes the win in Rome will leave his side full of confidence when they go head to head with Ireland in Round 2.
“We scored seven tries, we were efficient. Now we’re going to have a good week to prepare for the game against Ireland. It’s good that we were able to bring on all of our finishers,” the French boss said.
“We have a good dynamic and we continue to build it it. Now we’re going to Marcoussis and it’s a good transition for Dublin.”
