For the second time in a very short while I have got my predictions completely wrong.
Japan saw off Ireland 29-10 in their rematch in Tokyo (27 August). Tonight, 9 September, the Azzurre completed one of their greatest wins, 26-19 in their own return game against Les Bleues. My two forecasts were way off the mark.
This upsets a good few apple-carts. Questions can now be asked, probably for the very first time, about Thomas Darracq’s ability to get the best out of his side. Did he pick a sensible squad? Was his strategy the right one? And more broadly: where does this leave French hopes as the World Cup draws ever closer?
The match started well enough for them. Just as in the earlier Nice game, they eased into a 14-0 lead, and a knee injury was denying the Italians the reassuring presence of Manuela Furlan at the back.
Madoussou Fall finished off a move from clean line-out possession, and Carolne Drouin, still taking the kicks though moved out to No12, converted. Then Romane Menager celebrated her 50th cap with a try created by a superb scrum. (0-14)
A turning-point came when Melissa Bettoni, honoured with the capaincy in Furlan’s absence, finished off an excellent drive to the line.
Michela Sillari reacted to a ball lost by the French after Aura Muzzo’s kick ahead. Beatrice Rigoni’s conversion made it a much closer affair.
Half-time: 12-14
The Azzurre come back strongly to take the lead, 19-14. They used a direct attack to disrupt French defensive lines, then the ball was spread to Ostuni-Minuzzi, who galloped over.
This was the sort of Italian second-half we have seen all too rarely.
Only ten minutes were left when Melissande Llorens scored a third try in her short career. Smart handling allowed Drouin to feed her right-winger who arced outside her opponent to score. (19-19)
But with 74 minutes on the clock the Azzurre won an all-important penalty try, awarded by Joy Neville. It was too late for a reply, so the French went down to a most unwelcome and unexpected loss.
What a coincidence that once again it iwas a so-called ‘deliberate‘ knock-on, and by the one player Darracq will have hoped to provide a final piece in his jigsaw, Lina Queyroi, making a first start at No 10. She had to leave the field.
This result forces us to review our ideas about RWC odds. The Black Ferns may well see it as a light at the end of a dark tunnel. They could yet force their way into the final.
By this win Italy rise to fifth in world rankings, their highest ever and a huge credit to them and their long-serving head coach, Andrea Di Giandomenico. This win will give their confidence a huge boost. In Pool B they face unfamiliar opponents in Canada, USA and Japan.
Result: Italy 26-France 19
Player of the Match: Veronica Madia
Teams:
Italy
15, Ostuni-Minuzzi, 14, Muzzo, 13, Sillari, 12, Rigoni, 11, Magatti, 10. Madia, 9 Stefan, 8, Giordano, 7, Sgorbini, 6, Locatelli 5, Duca, 4, Fedrighi; 3, Gai, 2, Bettoni (captain), 1, Maris
Bench:
D’Inca, Granzotto, Stevanin, Arrighetti, Franco, Seye, Vecchini, Stecca
France
1 Deshayes, 2 Sochat (captain), 3 Bernadou, 4 Ferer, 5 Fall, 6 Feleu, 7 Gros, 8 Ménager R., 9 Bourdon, 10 Queyroi, 11 Boulard, 12 Drouin, 13 Ménager M., 14 Llorens, 15 Jacquet
Bench:
16 Touyé, 17 Brosseau, 18 Joyeux, 19 Forlani, 20 Mayans, 21 Sansus, 22 Trémoulière, 23 Boujard
Officials:
Joy Neville (IRFU), Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR) and Holly Wood (RFU); TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
