France Vs Italy: Grand Slam momentum intact after late reshuffle, Test-debut try and a dominant home performance

Why this matters now: the match altered immediate selection debates and the Six Nations table while reinforcing France's title trajectory. In a game marked by a last-minute No 10 change and a Test debut try, hosts held firm at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive. Here's the part that matters: the absence that forced the reshuffle reshaped how the first half unfolded and who finished on the scoresheet.

France Vs Italy — selection ripple effects and what changed on match eve

On the eve of the fixture the French federation confirmed that Matthieu Jalibert would miss the match in Lille after having been named to start at No 10, forcing a reshuffle by head coach Fabien Galthie. Toulon wing Gael Drean was moved into the starting side, Theo Attissogbe was shifted to full-back and Thomas Ramos was named to start at fly-half. Jalibert had starred in France’s round one and two wins over Ireland and Wales and had been translating strong club form for Bordeaux Begles while filling the absence left by Romain Ntamack.

Match details and scorers (embedded, not a play-by-play)

Reigning champions France produced an emphatic home performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy that preserved their Grand Slam hopes. Notable scoring actions from the match include:

• Gael Drean scored on his Test debut, securing France’s bonus-point fourth try.
• Emilien Gailleton added what was described as the home side’s fifth try.
• Louis Bielle-Biarrey extended his run by scoring for the eighth successive Six Nations game.
• Emmanuel Meafou was named player of the match and went over in the first half.
• Thomas Ramos also went over in the first half after being moved to fly-half for the match.
• Ange Capuozzo replied for Italy after a France error as Italy briefly hit back before half-time.

Final score detail is unclear in the provided context. The hosts were described as winning emphatically and picking up the bonus-point fourth try and a subsequent fifth try.

What's easy to miss is that Drean’s Test-debut try arrived in a lineup that had been reconfigured late, which both answered selection questions and highlighted depth in the French backline.

Italy's reaction, discipline and table positioning

Italy remain fifth in the table, placed behind England on points difference. The Azzurri did manage moments of recovery — including a reply from Ange Capuozzo before half-time — but were ultimately described as heavily beaten.

Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada stressed that early in the contest they had been in a steady position at 19-8 and that three lost balls later in the game allowed France to accumulate points; he pointed to second-half possession and lineout quality as places where Italy could have built more, and highlighted discipline issues that left Italy reduced to 13 on the field. Italy captain Michele Lamaro said the scoreboard is the truth of the game, that France took opportunities particularly in the first half, and that Italy were unable to sustain pressure or keep the ball in the second half, leaving missed lineout chances and execution lapses as decisive factors. France's defence coach characterized the match as a tough Test match.

• France kept Grand Slam hopes alive with a dominant home performance in Lille.
• Italy stay fifth in the standings, behind England on points difference.
• Discipline and lost possession late in the match were cited as turning points for Italy.

Signals, history and immediate implications

Two years ago this fixture in Lille finished 13-all, with a late Paolo Garbisi missed penalty denying Italy victory; that prior draw is now part of the short-term context for this rivalry. Thomas Ramos’ placement at fly-half is notable because he has featured regularly at that position for club and country and started at fly-half in last year’s win over Italy in Rome. Gael Drean’s selection was earned after strong domestic form — he is 25 and had a prolific run in the Top 14 with 12 tries in 15 appearances for Toulon this season — and his Test-debut try answered immediate questions about his readiness at international level.

Can anyone stop them now? We shall see you all in a fortnight.

Key takeaways:

• Late loss of Matthieu Jalibert forced a clear tactical reshuffle with immediate scoring consequences.
• Gael Drean’s Test debut produced a crucial try and reinforced the selection move.
• Thomas Ramos started at fly-half and contributed a first-half score after switching positions.
• Italy’s mistakes, a yellow card late in the game and being down to 13 players were decisive in the closing phases.
• Standings impact: Italy remain fifth, behind England on points difference; France’s Grand Slam hopes continue.

The real question now is how France manage No 10 selection with Jalibert unavailable and whether Italy can convert second-half glimpses into sustained pressure in upcoming fixtures.