Virimi Vakatawa: France’s new wing wonder

As Test match debuts go, Virimi Vakatawa’s was something special. It took the 23-year-old France winger just 14 minutes to mark his first international appearance with a try. It was a sweet score, too, stepping inside a defender to dot down for the opening try of France’s 23-21 victory over the Italians.

Yes, replays showed he had a foot in touch, but Vakatawa’s assured display was one of the few plus points in what was an unconvincing display by France in their first match under new coach Guy Noves.

As one newspaper headlined its report on the match: “Virimi, veni, vidi, vici.”