The French XV, under pressure, managed their match perfectly and qualified brilliantly for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
23:55 – The match summary
The Blues won against Italy (60-7) and will see the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023. From the start of the meeting, Fabien Galthié’s men started with a bang. The now second top scorer in the selection Damian Penaud opens the scoring with a superb move (2nd). It’s the start of a French festival in the first period. Thomas Ramos transforms and adds three new points. Behind Damian Penaud is still at work and finds the very restless Louis Bielle-Biarrey in his lane who offers himself a first try in this match (13th). But the Blues are not satisfied and continue to drive the point home! The home scorer of the XV of France also scores a try. Thomas Ramos transforms his own achievement (22nd). Just before the break, Damian Penaud scored a 35th try in his career with the French team and, in addition, offered the offensive bonus to the French who then led 31-0 at the break. The players of Fabien Galthié are excited by their first half and the break does not calm their enthusiasm. Matthieu Jalibert manages to get into the Italian defense with a superb pass feint and continues the French demonstration (48th). A little more than five minutes later, Mauvaka participates in the festival (55th). It was just after this test that the turnover began for Fabien Galthié. Among the entrants, Yoram Moefana will stand out with a double (64th and 76th). Between Bordeaux’s two attempts, the Italians saved their honor through Zuliani (72nd). The latter were rewarded but they will have been outclassed by the Blues who finished first in group A. The next meeting for the latter is Sunday October 15 at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France.
23:40 – The test of the evening!
It’s certainly the best try of this France – Italy! Matthieu Jalibert perfectly reversed the play towards Damien Penaud while he was off balance. It is even more beautiful because it then gave the offensive bonus to Fabien Galthié’s men.
23:25 – Matthieu Jalibert expects heavy stuff
The French number 10 has not made any plans at the end of France – Italy but knows that, whatever happens, the quarter-final of the Blues will be extremely tough: “We know that it doesn’t matter who the opponent is who we are going to meet in the quarter-final it will be a big one because group B is a very big group.”
23:10 – Which opponent in the quarter-final?
At the end of this France – Italy, the question that now arises is who the Blues will face in the quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup? If Ireland wins against Scotland this Saturday then the French will face South Africa. An offensive or defensive bonus would also allow the Irish to send the Springboks against the Blues if the Chardon XV does not take an offensive bonus. If the Scots win by pocketing an offensive bonus or preventing the Irish from taking one then they will be on the road to the French.
23:00 – The victory of the XV of France against Italy is historic, a record has fallen
The French team was a hit against Italy this Friday evening. A victory crowned with a 56-year-old record.
22:55 – The classification of group A
It is definitive! The Blues, who brilliantly won in this France – Italy, take first place in group A and will therefore face the second in group B. New Zealand finishes in second place. Italy finished 3rd and consoled itself with direct qualification for the next World Cup. Uruguay finished 4th while Namibia brought up the rear.
22:48 – It’s over! The Blues go into quarters in style!
It’s over ! The French festival ends in this France – Italy. The Blues won 60-7 after a real correction which certainly gives a lot of confidence before the quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
22:44 – The Blues all the way!
What an incredible pace set by the French team until the last minutes of this France – Italy. Matthieu Jalibert manages to find a touch at 50-22 and it is quickly played but the referee finally whistles.
22:42 – The double for Moefana
Like Penaud, the French number 22 goes for his double in this France – Italy and once again punishes the Italians.
22:39 – The Blues push again
No respite for the Transalpines who once again suffer an offensive wave from the Blues who were stung by Zuliani’s try a few minutes ago.
22:35 – The Italians save their honor!
Manuel Zuliani exults after finally unlocking the Italian score in this France – Italy despite a particularly solid French defense. Kieran Crowley’s men are rewarded for their effort.
22:32 – Parc OL is having a blast!
The atmosphere is at the level of the Blues in this France – Italy! The supporters sing songs and enjoy this magnificent spectacle.
22:29 – Jaminet imitates Ramos
The French striker’s replacement didn’t fail with his kicks either and converted Moefana’s try. That makes it 52-0! What a demonstration from the Blues in this France – Italy.
22:27 – Moefana unlocks her counter!
He returned a few minutes ago and unlocks his counter in this France – Italy and in this World Cup.
22:25 – Ramos gives up his place!
The home scorer gives up his place in this France – Italy after a great performance. The Toulouse full-back will be able to rest in preparation for the quarter-final and Melvyn Jaminet takes his place.
22:23 – A reaction from Italy?
Despite the score, the Italians did not give up and got closer to the opposing camp. Kieran Crowley’s men want to open their counter.
22:19 – Ramos transforms!
Obviously Thomas Ramos does not miss the transformation! The Blues lead 45-0 and experience an idyllic evening.
22:17 – Mauvaka adds his name to the scoreboard
The French number 2 takes part in his team’s festival in this France – Italy after sneaking out of a ruck. It makes 43-0 for the Blues who delight the Lyon public.
22:14 – Fickou goes on the counter
He calmly picked up the ball after a disagreement between the Italians but his counter was ultimately well controlled by the Italian backs.
22:11 – Jalibert sows discord and scores another try!
The Blues number 10 fakes a pass and interferes with the opposing defense before punishing them with a try! Ramos transforms and the Blues launch ideally into this second period.
22:08 – Double change for the Blues
Fabien Galthié also makes a change in this France – Italy with the entries of Taofifenua and Aldegheri. Atonio and Flament give up their place.
22:07 – Change for Italy
Kieran Crowley makes two changes after returning from the locker room in this France – Italy. Fusco and Zuliani enter.
22:06 – The Italians still penalized
Ferrari makes another mistake in a scrum and already offers a second penalty in this France – Italy.