France set for Autumn Nations Cup final against England after cruising to win over Italy
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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wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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