France v Italy LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction as France reach quarter-finals
France 60-7 Italy: Les Bleus reach the quarter-finals with their biggest ever win over Italy
France flew into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a dominant display against Italy that saw them score 57 points with hardly a reply in Lyon.
Damian Penaud was the first to go over the line, scoring the opening try two minutes into the match as France began as they meant to go on. A penalty kick right in front of the sticks was dispatched by Thomas Ramos before Louis Bielle-Biarry took control of the ball from a kick off Penaud, shuffled inside leaving two defenders on the floor, and was brought down for a try to send France further ahead.
Ramos then scored and Penaud dove over for his second try to secure a bonus point before half-time. Simone Ferrari also believed he had pulled some points back for Italy only for his try to be chalked off by a TMO review.
After the restart, France continued to dominate. Tries from Matthieu Jalibert, Peato Mauvake, and Yoram Moefana took them over the 50 mark before a second for Moefana put the icing on the cake. A consolation try for Italy’s Manuel Zuliani will not take the sting out of a second bruising defeat as the Azzurri exit the World Cup at the Pool stage.
Relive all the action as France host Italy in the Pool A decider plus get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips here:
Matthieu Jalibert’s magic touch leads France into Rugby World Cup quarter-finals
Antoine Dupont’s absence was barely felt as Matthieu Jalibert produced plenty of magic to help France punch their ticket for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by crushing Italy 60-7 on Friday.
Flyhalf Jalibert’s lightning quick passing and inspired try lifted Les Bleus to the top of Pool A with other tries by Damian Penaud (2), Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Peato Mauvaka, Yoram Moefana (2) and Thomas Ramos, who also scored 15 points from the tee.
Fabien Galthie’s team, without Dupont as the mercurial scrumhalf recovers from cheekbone surgery, won all their group games and are likely to face defending champions South Africa on October 15, even if Ireland and Scotland are still possible opponents for a place in the last four.
Matthieu Jalibert’s magic touch leads France into Rugby World Cup quarter-finals
France 60-7 Italy: The World Cup hosts reach the quarter-finals with emphatic win over Italy
Reaction from France's Gregory Alldritt:
“We are going to enjoy the weekend because it was a tough game today. Lots of recovery this weekend and we prepare the quarter-final after tomorrow night’s game.
“It’s a tough one after one month without playing [for me]. Happy with the team performance, it was a really a 23 player game today.”
Player of the match - Gregory Alldritt
After an impressive performance from France’s captain, he says: “The first step is done, now we’ve got a quarter-final to play.”
Full time stats
Top tackles - Sebastian Negri (Italy, 22)
Top carries - Gregory Alldritt (France, 12)
Metres carried - France 519, Italy 439
Tackles - France 137 (87% success), Italy 166 (80% success)
Penalties conceded - France 6, Italy 16
Scrum success - France 6/7, Italy 2/4
Lineout success - France 13/15, Italy 10/12
FULL TIME France 60 - 7 Italy
An absolute spectacle from France, a joy to watch. Slightly terrifying viewing for anyone who’s set to face them this RWC, they’ll be difficult to stop. Four wins from four from the home side who progress to the quarter-finals!
Gregory Alldritt is named player of the match after an impressive and ruthless shift to get France over the line and also deny Italy, a well-deserved winner.
An honourable mention must also go to Jalibert who was a key figure in much of their attack.
PENALTY! France 60 - 7 Italy
80 mins: Jaminet puts an end to a very impressive French performance in Lyon!
France 57 - 7 Italy
78 mins: France get the 50-22 from Jalibert’s kick and want to take it quickly but Dickson’s whistle stops them from going any further.
TRY! France 57 - 7 Italy
75 mins: Moefana scores his second! He launches himself through the defence to the line from short range after receiving the pass from Jailbert again, who has been excellent this evening. Conversion missed.
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