France looking for a more polished performance

FRANCE could not have asked for more as they sought to rebuild their confidence after the crushing World Cup defeat by England than to face two weakened teams in the start to their Six Nations campaign.

Having disposed of Ireland who were missing six frontline players in a patchy performance last Saturday, they host Italy at the Stade de France.

France coach Bernard Laporte will be looking for his team to put on a more polished and consistent performance than in the 35-17 defeat of the Irish, which left veteran winger Christophe Dominici distinctly unimpressed, especially by his own display.