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France set for Autumn Nations Cup final against England after cruising to win over Italy
By PA
France demonstrated their strength in depth as they cruised to a 36-5 victory over Italy to set up a play-off final with England in the Autumn Nations Cup.
On the night that they remembered Christophe Dominici, who died at the age of 48 this week, France looked to a new generation as a side featuring 13 changes made light work of the Italians.
The visitors did briefly lead, going 5-3 up when Carlo Canna ran in a 24th-minute try, but they were Italy’s only points of the night.
Jonathan Danty got his first France try in the 35th minute after a strong scrum, but the full onslaught was reserved for the second half.
Gavin Villiere scored on debut with a 55th-minute try before two of the more experienced players on show, Baptiste Serin and Teddy Thomas, scored two minutes apart to put the game beyond Italy.
Sekou Macalou – back in the side for the first time since 2017 – then rounded things off with an 80th-minute try as France moved back to the top of Pool B, bound for the final on December 6.
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Latest Comments
Wrong, read any of the local forums, most agree with him, it ain't as if Gleeson is irreplaceable ie Wright, Cale, Loeta, Hooper et al
If he is the best in SR and there are injuries he will get a shot.
Go to commentsFunny that he became the key to snuffing it out in the end lol
But as Nickers suggests, I think he's worked extremely hard on his game so I don't want to throw him out. Tough one.
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