France thrash Italy to qualify for quarter-finals as Pool A winners

Posted on

Damian Penaud bags early brace to take World Cup tally to six tries and Matthieu Jalibert caps another superb display with a try as hosts France thrash Italy to qualify for quarter-finals

  • France sealed their place in quarter-finals with an eight-try thrashing of Italy
  • Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace 
  • Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

World Cup hosts France sealed their place in the quarter-finals with an eight-try thrashing of Italy in Lyon, a result which meant they finished top of Pool A.

Even without injured captain Antoine Dupont – who was resting up for the start of the knock-out stages after undergoing cheekbone surgery – Fabien Galthie’s side never looked like losing.

Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace.

This was another heavy defeat for Italy and followed a 96-17 loss to New Zealand. The Azzurri have conceded 156 points in their last two games in what has been a disastrous tournament.

France will now play one of South Africa, Ireland or Scotland in the quarter-finals, but it is most likely 2019 champions the Springboks will be their last-eight opposition.

Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace against Italy

Matthieu Jalibert is having a fine tournament at No 10 after losing Romain Ntamack to injury

It took France just two minutes to open their account, wing Penaud crossing from Thomas Ramos’ pass for his fifth try of the tournament.

Penaud then turned creator as he cross-kicked for Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score.

Thomas Ramos – who contributed 16 first-half points – added a third.

Italy thought they had responded with a try for prop Simone Ferrari on his 50th cap but it was ruled out. At the other end Matthieu Jalibert kicked to Penaud for his second.

France had their four-try bonus point in the bag in only 22 minutes.

They led 31-0 at the break.

Jalibert – who is having a fine tournament at No 10 after France lost first-choice playmaker Romain Ntamack to a knee injury before a ball had been kicked – danced over for try five.

France’s attacking game was impressive, but Italy’s defence was non-existent and their tackling was poor. Captain Michele Lamaro was replaced after just 44 minutes.

Peato Mauvaka and Yoram Moefana – from another brilliant Jalibert assist – continued France’s merry dance as Italy chased shadows.

Manuel Zuliani did grab an Azzurri consolation but France completed the rout when Moefana crashed over for his second.

MATCH FACTS

France

Tries: Penaud 2, Bielle-Biarrey, Ramos, Jalibert, Mauvaka, Falatea-Moefana 2. 

Cons: Ramos 6, Jaminet.

Pens: Ramos, Jaminet.

France: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert, Lucu, Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Jaminet for Ramos (61), Falatea-Moefana for Fickou (62), Couilloud for Lucu (55), Wardi for Baille (55), Bourgarit for Mauvaka (55), Aldegheri for Atonio (45), Taofifenua for Flament (45), Cros for Ollivon (55).

Italy

Tries: Zuliani. Cons: Allan.

Italy: Capuozzo, Bruno, Brex, P. Garbisi, Ioane, Allan, Varney, Ferrari, Faiva, Ceccarelli, N. Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L. Cannone.

Replacements: Morisi for Bruno (65), Fusco for Varney (44), Zani for Ferrari (62), Manfredi for Faiva (62), Riccioni for Ceccarelli (55), Sisi for N. Cannone (57), Zuliani for Lamaro (44).

Not Used: Pani.

Ref Karl Dickson (RFU).

Source: Read Full Article