Ntamack seals bonus-point victory as France see off gutsy Italy
ROMAIN Ntamack raced in the bonus-point score in Paris as France sealed a five-try 35-22 victory over Italy.
The Toulouse fly-half endured a mixed afternoon, struggling with his goal-kicking in strong winds caused by Storm Ciara.
But the 20-year-old came good for Les Bleus’ fourth score, as Fabien Galthie’s men made it two wins from two to join Ireland as the only other team with a 100 per cent record in the competition.
Teddy Thomas, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt, Ntamack and Baptiste Serin all crossed for the French, who coasted to victory despite several phases of wayward attacking play.
Wasps’ electric wing Matteo Minozzi, hooker Federico Zani and Mattia Bellini bagged tries for the battling Azzurri, but Franco Smith’s side still slipped to a 24th straight Six Nations loss.
France have not won the Six Nations since their 2010 Grand Slam, but after adding this victory to the one over England hopes will be high that the drought can come to an end.
Les Bleus bludgeoned into early control with tries from Thomas and flanker Ollivon, but Minozzi capped a fine 13-phase move with a morale-boosting score for the Azzurri, who had the ever-excellent Jake Polledri to thank for creating the necessary midfield space for the try. Tommaso Allan’s penalty just shy of the half-hour hauled Italy into touching distance at 13-10 down, but the visitors could not muster enough of a comeback to alter the outcome and Alldritt cantered over for a third try as France led 23-10 at the break.
Italy’s first-half rally had long evaporated when Ntamack scythed through for the bonus-point score.
Replacement hooker Zani touched down Italy’s second try, sparking a nervous finale, but replacement scrum-half Serin stunned the Azzurri with a sharp quick-tap try.
Italy managed the last word, with Bellini scampering home after Jayden Hayward’s break.