{"id":293899,"date":"2023-10-07T00:06:38","date_gmt":"2023-10-07T00:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=293899"},"modified":"2023-10-07T00:06:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-07T00:06:38","slug":"france-thrash-italy-to-qualify-for-quarter-finals-as-pool-a-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/rugby-union\/france-thrash-italy-to-qualify-for-quarter-finals-as-pool-a-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"France thrash Italy to qualify for quarter-finals as Pool A winners"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/p>\n
Even without injured captain Antoine Dupont \u2013 who was resting up for the start of the knock-out stages after undergoing cheekbone surgery \u2013 Fabien Galthie\u2019s side never looked like losing.<\/p>\n
Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace against Italy<\/p>\n
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Matthieu Jalibert is having a fine tournament at No 10 after losing Romain Ntamack to injury<\/p>\n
It took France just two minutes to open their account, wing Penaud crossing from Thomas Ramos\u2019 pass for his fifth try of the tournament.<\/p>\n
Penaud then turned creator as he cross-kicked for Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score.<\/p>\n
Thomas Ramos \u2013 who contributed 16 first-half points \u2013 added a third.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
France had their four-try bonus point in the bag in only 22 minutes.<\/p>\n
They led 31-0 at the break.<\/p>\n
Jalibert \u2013 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 \u2013 danced over for try five.<\/p>\n
France\u2019s attacking game was impressive, but Italy\u2019s defence was non-existent and their tackling was poor. Captain Michele Lamaro was replaced after just 44 minutes.<\/p>\n
Peato Mauvaka and Yoram Moefana \u2013 from another brilliant Jalibert assist \u2013 continued France\u2019s merry dance as Italy chased shadows.<\/p>\n
Manuel Zuliani did grab an Azzurri consolation but France completed the rout when Moefana crashed over for his second.<\/p>\n
France<\/span><\/p>\n Tries<\/span>: Penaud 2, Bielle-Biarrey, Ramos, Jalibert, Mauvaka, Falatea-Moefana 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cons<\/span>: Ramos 6, Jaminet.<\/p>\n Pens<\/span>: Ramos, Jaminet.<\/p>\n France<\/span>: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert, Lucu, Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.<\/p>\n Replacements<\/span>: 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).<\/p>\n Italy<\/span><\/p>\n Tries<\/span>: Zuliani. Cons<\/span>: Allan.<\/p>\n Italy<\/span>: Capuozzo, Bruno, Brex, P. Garbisi, Ioane, Allan, Varney, Ferrari, Faiva, Ceccarelli, N. Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L. Cannone.<\/p>\n Replacements<\/span>: 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).<\/p>\n Not Used<\/span>: Pani.<\/p>\n