Mercurial Michalak does trick

FRANCE did not look like the team of the last few years, and not only because they wore red rather than blue. Red for warning.

Philippe Saint-Andre’s men, all stolid bulk in recent times, turned on a fine display in front of a Twickenham crowd that, for once, was roaring them on. Victory over Italy in their opening Pool D match offered a hint that they could yet find a couple more gears over the next few weeks.

France played in fits and starts in the first half but went in at the break leading 15-3, every point from the boot. Frederic Michalak, recalled at No 10, lived up to his mercurial billing, twice hitting the left post as his kicking radar came and went.

But the game lit up in the second half. Following a brilliant gallop down the left wing by Noa Nakataici, France recycled and Michalak chipped through for prop Rabah Slimani to collect and score. The conversion made it 25-3.

Italy had one try ruled out for a knock-on via the TMO, but scored when Edoardo Gori flung the ball out wide on the right to the unmarked Giovanbattista Venditti.

A second French try came through replacement prop Vincent Debaty, who charged for the line and touched down at the base of the post.

Italy now face a tough task to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time, a task made harder by the news that Andrea Masi may have ruptured his achilles.

It could be the end of his World Cup as it looked to be for Yoann Huget, who was carried off and then seen crying his eyes out with a right leg injury. FRANCE 32 ITALY 10