France Vs Italy: Drean scores on debut as Jalibert misses Lille clash

In the build-up to the france vs italy Six Nations meeting in Lille, France were hit by a late squad change when Matthieu Jalibert was ruled out on match eve — a move that forced Fabien Galthie into a reshuffle but did not stop the hosts from recording an emphatic win at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

France Vs Italy: Drean called up, Ramos moves to fly-half

The French rugby federation announced on match eve that Jalibert, who had been named to start at No 10 on Friday, would miss the game in Lille. The absence prompted Galthie to bring Toulon wing Gael Drean into the starting XV, shift Theo Attissogbe to full-back and hand the fly-half duties to Thomas Ramos. Ramos has featured regularly at fly half for club and country and started at the position in last year's win over Italy in Rome.

Drean scores on Test debut and France finish with five tries

At Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Gael Drean scored on his Test debut to secure France's bonus-point fourth try, and Emilien Gailleton then added the home side's fifth try. Emmanuel Meafou was named player of the match, while Thomas Ramos also went over in the first half. Louis Bielle-Biarrey continued his hot run by scoring for the eighth successive Six Nations game.

How the match swung and Italy's response

Ange Capuozzo replied for Italy after a France error as the visitors hit back before half-time. Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada told ITV that in the first half they had been 19-8 and remained 19-8 until the 70th minute, and that three lost balls led to France's points. He said the second half offered more quality ball for the Azzurri, especially in lineouts, and blamed late mistakes and disciplinary issues that left Italy with 13 on the field rather than 15.

Table positions, past meetings and player form

The Azzurri remain fifth in the table, behind England on points difference. France, reigning champions, maintained their Grand Slam hopes with the Lille victory. Two years ago France drew 13-all with Italy in Lille, with only a late Paolo Garbisi missed penalty denying the visitors victory. Matthieu Jalibert had starred in France's round one and two wins over Ireland and Wales, bringing strong form from Bordeaux Begles and stepping up in the absence of Romain Ntamack. Gael Drean arrived into the side off several strong seasons in the Top 14; the 25-year-old had scored 12 tries in 15 appearances for Toulon this season.

Reactions after the match

Italy captain Michele Lamaro told ITV that the scoreboard was the truth of the game and said France had been "unbelievably good at taking their opportunities, especially in the first half. " Lamaro added that Italy made errors in the first half and could not keep the ball in the second, and that a yellow card around the 70th minute had hurt their chances. France's defence coach Shaun Edwards described the encounter on ITV as "a real tough game of rugby" and a "real Test match. "

With Thomas Ramos filling the No 10 role in Lille after Jalibert's late withdrawal, France converted their reshuffle into a multi-try performance that kept their Grand Slam bid alive. "Can anyone stop them now? We shall see you all in a fortnight, " ran one post-match line reflecting the short break before the teams meet again.