Unconvincing win for France

France 33 Italy 12 France recorded an unconvincing win over Italy in a turgid opening Six nations game at the Stade De France…

France 33 Italy 12
France recorded an unconvincing win over Italy in a turgid opening Six nations game at the Stade De France.

Italy, who led for the first 35 minutes, were reduced to trying to spoil French ball which resulted in referee Alan Lewis sin-binning four of players, including Diego Dominguez.

France did manage to score to tries - one before half-time from centre Damien Traille and one in injury time from flanker Serge Betson.

Outhalf Gerald Merceron kicked 23 points for the French - just one short of the French record.