France ring changes for battle in Rome

FRANCE’S hopes to retain their Six Nations crown took a tumble in Donnybrook two weeks ago but they are determined to end their campaign on a good note four months before the World Cup.

They travel to Italy today with head coach Samuel Cherouk making five changes from the team that lost 13-10 in Ireland last time out.

Céline Ferer returns to the second row, while Shannon Izar and Caroline Boujard come in at full-back and on the wing respectively, and anyone needing reminding of just how irresistible the French can be need only to look at Round two’s ninetry rout of Scotland.

“We were disappointed, the players as well as the staff, after that defat in Ireland but we’re not over worried about it,” said manager Annick Hayraud.

“We’re building and we’re going forward too. We most of all lack regularity in our level of performance and we must tune things up. We have a lot of qualities in the squad and the girls are working hard so we’re really keen to keep improving.

“We’re trying to force plays sometimes. It’s not dramatic but we’ve worked on it in the past couple of week.”

Italy are yet to pick up a win after three games but their last showing against England was their best of the competition so far, with skipper Sara Barattin, fullback Manuela Furlan, and Sofia Stefan all crossing for the Azzurre.

They have made on change to their line up with Maria Grazia Cioffi returning in midfield.