Noves: We don’t want a Paris smash
FRANCE coach Guy Noves has warned his players they are in no position to act high and mighty against Italy in Rome today.
Defeats by Ireland and England either side of a win over Scotland put France second bottom of the Six Nations standings heading into the fourth round of matches, with only the winless Italians beneath them.
They have Italy and then Wales left to play, and a slip-up at the Stadio Olimpico would be another sporting embarrassment for France, following Paris Saint-Germain’s capitulation against Barcelona.
Noves said the stunning Champions League result was a “life lesson” and that “failure is part of the game”.
But he is determined his players do not trip up likewise and is directing them to show professionalism. “We don’t have the means to boast, to be a bit like England, to play Italy and look down on them,” said Noves.
“Our results don’t let us do that. Therefore I hope the players are well aware Italy have got this match marked down. That’s normal, especially after their performance in England.
“Nothing is written in advance and it will be a very tough match like the others.”
Noves outlined why he had handed a debut to young Brive flanker Fabien Sanconnie.
Sanconnie, 22, replaces Bernard Le Roux in one of four alterations to the starting line-up that lost to Ireland. Le Roux is on the bench.
Charles Ollivon’s unavailability because of a sprained ankle left Sanconnie as the outstanding option if Noves decided on a change. “We needed someone of the same profile,” said Noves. “We’ve talked about him for a while. There’s no good or bad time to throw him in. But we know he’ll bring the enthusiasm of youth.”
Noves said Le Roux would have the chance during the match, as a replacement, to make up for a disappointing display against Ireland.
Italy flanker Simone Favaro is confident the Azzurri are heading in the right direction.
They did, of course, give England a scare at Twickenham last time out when they led at half-time before Eddie Jones’ side ran out convincing winners.
With ex-Harlequins boss Conor O’Shea in charge, Favaro, who plays his club rugby for Glasgow, believes results can turn.
“It’s much easier to start from victories than defeats, that’s natural,” he said. “The path that we’ve taken, we know it’s long. Once we’ve found the right structure, I don’t see why we shouldn’t be successful: Italy have done in so many sports and we will in rugby.”
Kick-off: 1.30pm. TV: ITV.