Mike Henson
All times stated are UK
Coming up next on BBC Sport
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Rugby Special is coming up in a little over half an hour on BBC One and the BBC Sport website to bring you all the best of the weekend's Six Nations action.
BBC Radio 5 Live's pundits are running the rule over the weekend at 20:00 GMT.
And keep your ears out for Rugby Union Daily, our podcast punch of all the hottest takes and shrewdest analysis.
Something like a phenomenon
'We have to step up in every department'
France 37-10 Italy
France team manager Raphael Ibanez told ITV: "We got in touch with Galthie throughout the game. Wasn't the best situation but we had to deal with it.
"You could tell after 20 minutes we were lacking rugby together. Through the game I thought the boys did well. Five tries and five points is good. Villiere is a warrior. He is a very good finisher. He is a good example for all of his teammates for his spirit.
"For next week we have to step up in every department. Ireland are not fourth in world ranking for nothing, the game they played yesterday was good."
Rugby Special incoming
Break out the siren emoji.
If you missed any of this weekend's Six Nations action, don't despair.
You need to wait only 45 minutes until Rugby Special rolls over the horizon to deliver everything you need to get up to speed.
A performance of note
France 37-10 Italy
See AlsoCentro Europa 7 S.R.L. v. Italy - Global Freedom of ExpressionSix Nations: Convincing Italy win leaves Wales with Wooden Spoon - reactionTravelling on the Regionale Veloce trains in Italy | ShowMeTheJourneyJurisdictional Immunities of the State (Germany v. Italy: Greece intervening)Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Difficult to argue with the French television pundits decision (not least because of my lack of French) over their man of the match decision.
Gabin Villiere got three tries, but he also made 88 metres, three clean breaks and beat five defenders.
No France player scored higher in any of those three categories.
"I'm so happy for Villiere"
FT: France 37-10 Italy
Paul Willemse told ITV: "Scoring three tries is amazing, I'm so happy for him. For next week we need to work on closing the play and finishing in the 22."
Match stats
France 37-10 Italy
GettyCopyright: Getty
France-Italy
Possession: 54%-46%
Territory: 66%-34%
Metres made: 476-238
Clean breaks: 7-2
Defenders beaten: 22-7
Tackles made/attempted: 1111/118- 168/190
Penalties conceded: 14-10
Tale of the second 40
France 37-10 Italy
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
France have won this game but Italy looked much improved in a contest many thought would see them steamrolled.
The half-time score saw the host 18-10 ahead and tries from Gabin Villiere and Damian Penaud saw them see out the bonus-point result.
Italy didn't drop off though. They won scrum penalties and put in big hits. Game on against England next week...
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
France weathered the storm
FT: France 37-10 Italy
Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
Six Nations game slightly affected by the weather. A familiar scoreline for Italy, unfortunately for them. France had enough to ride out the early storm from Italy.
Full-time - France 37-10 Italy
The flags flutter, France sail to the top of the Six Nations standings.
Converted try - France 37-10 Italy
Gabin Villiere con Ntamack
Hat-trick...
That was delicious hands from France with Damian Penaud shovelling on, Yoram Moefana basketballing it off his chest and Gabin Villiere sliding in for the first French Six Nations hat-trick since Vincent Clerc in 2008.
Romain Ntamack lands the conversion with the final act of the match.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
France up to within five...
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
Italy are offside around the fringes. Romain Ntamack plugs his kick into the Italy 22m. They are hunting a fifth. Italy defending with pride. The clock ticking down...
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
France with possession and territory, just outside the Italy 22m. The visiting defence is still coming up flat and fast though as Juan Ignacio Brix lands a big shoulder on Romain Ntamack.
This has been a really strong Italy performance. Props to the new regime.
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
The Italy scrum has really been something. They have punched well above expectation. They have milked another penalty out of the set-piece and embaressed some French juggarnauts.
England will not have it all their own way next week.
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
Antoine Dupont is done for the day. Maxime Lucu is on in his place off the French bench.
Toulouse's Thomas Ramos is on for Melvyn Jaminet at full-back. A lot of depth as well as quality to this French squad.
Post update
France 30-10 Italy
Italy working through phases and asking questions. Before Damian Penaud nabs and interception...
He hoofs upfield and Italy are back on halfway.
France under pressure
France 30-10 Italy
Italy are not content to polish up the scoreline by taking an easy three. Paolo Garbisi kicks to the corner and the visitors have a great line-out platform, five out.
Quick thinking from Jaminet
France 30-10 Italy
Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
Italy tried to break out of their own half and establish a foothold. They went for a high ball and it was the mental alertness of Jaminet to tap the ball.
They released Penaud tight to the wing, he looks on his inside and guess who's there? Dupont. He feeds back to his winger.
Jaminet started that process.
Converted try - France 30-10 Italy
Damian Penaud, con Jaminet
Lovely stuff.
France strike blind inside their own half and some deft hands from replacement centre Yoram Moefana sent Damian Penaud scampering up the whitewash.
Antoine Dupont has busted a lung to offer a support option inside. He takes the pass, gives one back and Penaud slides in.
Extras from Melvyn Jaminet. Bonus point bagged.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
to-topLatest Post
Page 1 of 5
Back to top
