- Italy 24-29 France
- Champions edge to bonus point win with late Jalibert try
Shaun Edwards admitted France were hanging on at the end after avoiding a shock defeat in Italy by edging to a 29-24 victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Ethan Dumortier scored a try on his France debut as Les Bleus launched their Six Nations title defence with a bonus-point win but only after a major scare as Italy led during the second half.
Edwards, France’s defence coach, told ITV: “An incredible amount of improvement from Italy. I’ve just spoken to the coach after the game and I said you should be proud of your lads, mate. They were absolutely outstanding.
