Italy 'fearless and ready for French challenge'

Italy scrum-half Paul Griffen claims the Azzurri will approach their RBS 6 Nations match away to France without fear next weekend.

Italy have performed creditably in their two Six Nations matches so far but are nonetheless on course to repeat their 2005 wooden spoon.

However, 30-year-old Griffen believes they can take great heart for next Saturday from their controversial 26-16 defeat against Ireland in Dublin and their 31-16 reverse in Rome against world champions England.

The dreadlocked New Zealand born half-back told PA Sport: “At this point after showing how well we are capable of playing, we must now get more than that.

“The game against the French is coming at the right time. Certainly the next game is hard for us, maybe even the hardest, but I know myself and my team-mates are going into this match to play our own game without worrying about our opponents.”