Huget injury mars France win

Frederic Michalak kicked 19 points as France began the Rugby World Cup with an easy 32-10 win over Pool D rivals Italy.

Replacement prop Nicolas Mas scored France’s only other try 11 minutes from time.

That means the three-time losing finalists missed out on a crucial bonus point in Pool D.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir said: “It was our first game and we knew it was going to be a hard game because it’s always like this against Italy“.

That Ireland’s defence, which had conceded nine tries in their four warm-up matches, held firm under huge try-line pressure from the Canadians also augured well for tougher battles ahead. “But it was a positive day”.

Italy were thrashed 29-0 by France in this season’s Six Nations. “He is a very important player and a big player to lose for this team”.

The final last-ditch measure by Italy to try and claw back some of the lead at first looked promising, but as phase after phase was completed at half of the pace needed to even remotely threaten the French, referee Joubert put an end to the match and so to the Italians’ hopes of starting their tournament strongly.

Saint-Andre told a news conference at Twickenham Stadium, where hosts England open the tournament against Fiji in Pool A on Friday (Saturday NZT), that he was happy with the 50 minutes Dumoulin and Mathieu Bastareaud played in midfield against Scotland plus their many practices together.

Nakaitaci’s burst down the touchline saw him release Guilhem Guirado, with the hooker hauled down by the posts.

First-night nerves clearly affected both teams in the opening quarter and twice Michalak rattled an upright with penalty attempts.

Italy hit back with a 52nd-minute try when, after Sarto went close, a quick ball allowed Italy wing Giovanbattista Venditti to race over on the right.

Despite boasting a front row including veteran prop Martin Castrogiovanni, an Italian scrum infringement led to a France penalty only for Michalak to again hit the left post.

In hindsight, Michalak’s inclusion might be seen as the symbol of Saint-Andre’s determination to blend a greater degree silk with France’s new-found steal in an effort to win the World Cup and the early signs against Italy are that it might just pay-off.