After two games on the opening day, Italy is all set to host France at the well-known Stadio Olimpico, Rome, in the only fixture on day 2 of the championship. In terms of head-to-head record, France has historically been the stronger team, with Italy struggling to secure victories in the competition. However, rugby is a sport with a long history of upsets, and anything can happen on game day.
The Venue, Date, and Start Time:
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
- Referee: Matthew Carley
- Date: February 5, 2023
- Start Time: 15:00 UTC
- TV Channel: Canal+
- Streams Anywhere: OolaTV
Italy and France have met in 18 competitive fixtures, with France having apparent domination with 16 wins. In contrast, Italy has won just two games, with the last win on February 3, 2013. Both teams will meet each other after their fixture in the 2022 edition on 6 February, where France beat Italy by 37-10. Both France and Italy field talented players and have dedicated coaching staff, so it’s likely that the match will be a closely fought and exciting contest. If you’re a fan of rugby, it’s definitely a game worth tuning into!
How To Stream France vs Italy Rugby Online Anywhere
In France, the television rights for rugby matches are held by Canal+. In Italy, the television rights for rugby matches are held by DMAX, which is part of the Discovery Network. Please note that this information might be subject to change and it’s always advisable to check the local listings for up-to-date information on where to watch Six Nations rugby All matches.
France Rugby Preview:
Though injuries and a relentless schedule have caused some problems (defeats against Australia and South Africa in the autumn), Antoine Dupont would still be expecting his available squad to defend the title and look at the mega event, set to start in seven months.
Nonetheless, France should win the game comfortably against Italy, a side which despite evident improvement (few big wins last year), isn’t capable of facing them yet.
Regarding the squad, defending champions will be without the services of centre Jonathan Danty, who has been ruled out of the championship after suffering a knee injury; another absent player, influential forward Cameron Woki won’t be available after suffering a hand fracture.
Among the players mentioned above, Gabin Villiere, Killian Geraci, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Pierre Bourgarit, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, and Florian Verhaeghe are also on the list of absentees.
Moreover, Thomas Ramos has been preferred over Melvyn Jaminet at full-back, while Jaminet is not even among the replacements.
Fabien Galthie’s originally called eight uncapped players, with Dumortier, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Emilien Gailleton, Paul Boudehent, Romain Buros, Leo Coly, Nolann Le Garrec, and Julien Delbouis on the list of absentees, with Nolann Le Garrec to back-up Dupont this week with Luco out.
Italy Rugby Preview:
With wins against Wales, Samoa, and Australia (for the first time) in 2022, Azzurri have showed clear improvement in past 1-2 years and would like to register wins in this championship, with World Cup just seven months away.
Italy, since joinjng the championship in 2000, has finished at the bottom of the table 17 times, including the last seven years. That said, France must start its campaign with a win against them.
Regarding the squad, Matteo Nocera, Luca Rizzoli, Mirco Spagnolo and Marco Manfred are the uncapped players called by the Kieran Crowley.
Moreover, fly-half Paolo Garbisi is expected to make return from the knee injury which kept him out since early December 2022. Harlequins’ Tommaso Allan is all set to start while talking about absent players, Monty Ioane, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Toa Halafihi, Leonardo Marin and David Sisi won’t be able to participate.
