France go into Italy game needing big win for title hopes

France were looking for a big win against Italy in Rome to keep alive their hopes of retaining their RBS 6 Nations title.

Italy had lost all 11 previous championship meetings with Les Bleus and had yet to claim a win in this year’s tournament.

Biarritz flanker Imanol Harinordoquy dropped to the replacements’ bench with Julien Bonnaire replacing him as one of four changes made by France coach Marc Lievremont from their 17-9 defeat to England at Twickenham last time out.

Italy went into today’s match at the Stadio Flaminio on the back of a 24-16 home defeat to Wales.

Azzurri coach Nick Mallett opted for a side with a distinctly French flavour, with eight of the hosts’ starting XV playing their club rugby in France.