Five-try France ease past Italy in opener

Italy 3 France 39

France scored five tries on their way to a convincing victory over Italy in their RBS 6 Nations Championship opener at the Stadio Flaminio.

The returning Sebastien Chabal claimed a brace either side of the half-time whistle, while wingers Christophe Dominici and Cedric Heymans – in the first half – and Yannick Jauzion added further five-pointers.

David Skrela added gloss to the score with four conversions and a penalty, while Ramiro Pez scored the only points for a below-par Italy.