Stephen Ferris: France to start Six Nations defence in style against Italy
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Stephen Ferris previews Italy v France
Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris takes a look at the final game on the opening weekend of the Six Nations as champions France visit Italy.
Check out the former Ireland international’s thoughts on the Wales v Ireland and England v Scotland games by clicking on the links and read our players to watch in the Six Nations over the six weeks.
Italy v France (Sunday, 3.00, ITV)
It’s due to be 15 degrees with pure sunshine in Rome on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, the good weather contributes to an awesome game of rugby. As a former player there is nothing better than rocking up to a stadium ready to rumble in perfect playing conditions.
The Italians at home in front of their passionate fans will want to give them something to cheer about. A lot of their team are playing week in, week out for Benetton in the URC and doing very well. Benetton find themselves in the play-off spots and have been extremely strong at home. The challenge now is whether those same players can bring that form to the international stage. We all hope they can.
🗣️ A language lesson from @MauroBergamasco
The French and Italian rugby phrases you need to know ahead of the #GuinnessSixNations.
And follow our language accounts 📲
🇫🇷 @SixNations_FR
🇮🇹 @SeiNazioniRugby pic.twitter.com/k76Vg6i0BN— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 31, 2023
France have beaten Australia, South Africa and Japan over the last few months. Yes, a couple of those games were tight, but they still managed to find a way to win and that’s what makes them so impressive. France won the grand slam last year for the first time in 12 years and have built a squad capable of knocking anyone off their spot. Their coaching set-up also looks to be world class. And lastly, they are playing with exuberance and confidence that spells danger for every team they meet.
The handicap for this match is 21 points. The Italians must make a huge improvement with their discipline otherwise this game will get away from them quickly. Italy beat France in 2013 by 23-18, but since then it has been one-way traffic and France have dominated heavily. Speaking of heavy, the French pack will be wanting to exert some early dominance and grind down Italy’s resilience. It does feel, however, this is going to be a bigger challenge than what everyone expects.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
