FRA 24-0 ITA: France shut out Italy but miss out on bonus point

EXETER - France got off to a winning start in Pool D but failed to earn a four-try bonus point in beating a determined but limited Italy team 24-0 at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Story of the match

It was a nervous opening to the match by both teams, France enjoying the majority of territory and possession against an Italy defence that was aggressive and well-organised.

France scored with the first half’s one moment of true quality, Joanna Grisez coming off her right wing to cut through Italy’s defence down the left and score in the corner.

Assia Khalfaoui and Charlotte Escudero scored further tries for France in the second half, both from close range, while Morgane Bourgeois was perfect from the kicking tee.

Italy continued to defend well but a malfunctioning scrum and lineout combined with a number of handling errors meant they were unable to get on the scoresheet.

Mastercard Player of the Match

France’s experienced inside centre Gaby Vernier led the way with 14 carries, 116 metres made and nine tackles.

“It was great to be back on the field,” she said. “A game at the World Cup is amazing and we are very happy about the result. We worked very hard for this game, we have the win, and we will continue to work hard for the next game.

“They [the young players] are bringing a lot of energy on the field. Sometimes we have to calm them down but they are bringing the level up. It is good to have a team with old ones like me and young ones.”

Coach insight

France’s join head coach David Ortiz described criticism of the team’s recent performances as “normal”.

“But I think this victory has shown that we are there, we are strong and can defend ourselves.

“We are a team that likes to play and playing helps us correct the mistakes [that we made] and hopefully in the next match against Brazil we can get better.”

Italy head coach was clear when the game was lost: “Without the scrum and lineout we spent most of the time defending so we used most of our energy in defence and this can be frustrating. France have shown they are a strong side with a strong scrum but I am very proud of the effort the Italian players put in on defence.”

Stat of the Day

72% - the amount of territory France enjoyed. With Italy rarely able to get out of their own half, they drew a blank on the scoresheet.

Next steps

France face Brazil on Sunday, 31 August, already in pole position to top the pool. Italy take on South Africa in what looks like a shootout for second place.