Ibanez urges France players to show character

Stand-in captain Raphael Ibanez believes France will need “character” if they are to get their RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign off to a winning start in Italy this weekend.

Les Bleus begin the defence of their crown against a team who are regular ’wooden-spoonists’ in the tournament, but who many people acknowledge are beginning to find their feet in the international arena.