Italy vs France LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction as Italy narrowly miss out on famous win

Ethan Dumortier scored a try on his France debut as the Les Bleus kick-started their Six Nations title defence with a 29-24 bonus-point victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Thibault Flament, Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert also got on the scoresheet for the Grand Slam champions, while Ange Capuozzo dotted down for Italy and Tommaso Allan added four penalties.

The visitors were dealt a second-half scare when Charles Ollivon was sent to the sin bin and Italy were awarded a penalty try, at one point taking a second-half lead through Allan.

Les Bleus fended off the threat and will look to extend their winning streak to 15 when they travel to Ireland next weekend.

France were on the scoresheet after four minutes when Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney attempted a box-kick only to be thwarted by the six-foot-eight Flament, who intercepted before going on an unstoppable run over the whitewash, with Ramos adding the extras.

Well doesn’t this tournament just always seem to deliver? A blockbuster opening weekend of three away wins sets up a fascinating championship, and Round Two looks mighty, mighty intriguing.

Ireland and France could be a title decider, a wounded Wales will be out to again spoil Scotland’s party, while Italy’s attack versus England’s defence suddenly looks a major mismatch after the events of the last two days. The Six Nations, eh?

“It’s quite tough to swallow this defeat. We had our chances - first half, a bit too many errors, we gave away 19 points off our mistakes. We’ve got to find that balance and have that execution, be a bit more diligent in what we do.

“But there are a lot of positives to take from this. We are very positive about next week’s game. It’s those small margins we talk about. I need to make my kicks and next time we can kick to win.

“We are improving every week. We’ve got to start winning as well now - we know we can win. We are very confident for next week. We’ll see what happens...”

Eighteen penalties against France today - an uncharacteristically ill-disciplined afternoon, and one they won’t be able to afford to repeat against Ireland next week.

You doubt that Fabien Galthie will over-react, but he’ll be worried about how Italy were able to stress and strain his midfield defence. A word though for the impact of the French bench - Romain Taofifenua has really made that impact tighthead lock role his own, and both Sekou Macalou and Matthieu Jalibert made timely interventions to ensure France made their escape.

“We are really happy for the win but we have to give credit to Italy,” the France lock concedes. “They have really, really lifted their game, they’ve improved their gameplan, their discipline - it was a tough game.

“They utilised their opportunities quite well - playing out of their 22 we kind of expected, and we got a few rewards out of it.

“It only gets harder! This competition is the best in the world and we are really under pressure. Each game is going to be a different challenge.”

That really was wonderful fun. Credit to France for (just about) holding their nerve and finding a way to win, but Italy are building something bonkers and beautiful.

Here’s that winning score:

An extraordinary game of rugby, and another significant feather in the cap of this rapidly developing Italian team. The hosts played with belief and adventure right from the off, a tactic that looked foolish in the first 20 minutes but threatened to cause an almighty shock thereafter as some creative attacking play and Tommaso Allan’s boot nudged them in front.

But Matthieu Jalibert’s beautifully taken score spared France’s blushes - last year’s Grand Slammers are up and running with a five-point away victory, but that does not at all tell the story of a major, major scare.

The maul goes down in a heap. “Down by white!” cries Matthew Carley - France have done it! By the skin of their teeth, the defending champions hold on and extend their unbeaten run!

The noise ratchets up. Where is Manuel Zuliani going?!? Antoine Dupont just about grabs him.

France have it - but illegally! Hands on the floor before contesting - penalty to Italy.

Another shallow kick from Allan, but Italy will have a seven metre lineout. Banker ball at the front...