France must attack Italy from the off, warns Malzieu

FRANCE wing Julien Malzieu has urged his team-mates to attack from the word go against Italy on Sunday, insisting Les Bleus “do not have the right” to lose their penultimate RBS 6 Nations clash.

Marc Lievremont’s men are favourites to take the Grand Slam crown after picking off Scotland, Ireland and Wales in their opening three matches.

Their final clash of the tournament against England has been billed as a mouth-watering tournament decider and Malzieu knows defeat to the Azzurri must be considered out of the question.

“In general, everything happens in the first 20 minutes against them,” he said. “We know that we will have to immediately impose our rhythm and be more aggressive than them.

“They attack strongly? Very good, it’s up to us to attack even stronger, to show that we are at home, that whatever they do, it will not come off.

“Victory is ours, we absolutely need it. We will be at home and we don’t have the right to lose. We have the cards in our hands.”

Malzieu has been dropped to the bench for Sunday’s game in favour of Marc Andreu, who has played just three minutes for France – against Wales last month.

The 26-year-old admits he is disappointed after making his first start at the Millennium Stadium but claims he is happy with life as a replacement.

He continued: “We need to win it, and in style if possible.

Meanwhile, Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni aims to end a successful week on a high note.

The Leicester Tigers player provided much of the inspiration for his team in last weekend’s 35-11 triumph over London Irish in the Guinness Premiership.

Castrogiovanni scored a try on an interception to help Leicester open a six-point gap at the top of the standings and was named man of the match.

“It’s not often that in my position you score a try,” said Castrogiovanni. “I am enjoying that achievement.

“I am going through a great time and I hope I can continue to do well.

“I always try to give my best on the pitch regardless of how I feel.”

But Castrogiovanni has now turned his attention back to Italy.

“We are focusing on our strengths and we will try to bring home the game,” he said.

“Our group is hungry for victories and I think we proved that against Scotland.

“There are games that are easier and others that are more difficult but the mentality of Italy is the right one.

“France is the best team in Europe,” he said.

“Against them, we have to play a perfect game in defence.

“We cannot leave any spaces because France, when playing with the ball in hand, are the best in the world.

“But as always, everything will begin from our performance in the scrum.”