Marksman Auriac gets France on the target

MAX Auriac scored 26 points as France made an emphatic start to their Six Nations campaign at the Stade Guy Boniface in Mont-de-Marsan.

France opened the scoring after Baptiste Jauneau collected his own clever kick before flicking the ball inside to winger Enzo Reybier who was on hand to go over for a converted try.

Auriac extended the home side’s lead with a penalty before Robin Bellemand’s break led to Theo Ntamack playing a neat offload to Emile Dayral, who went over to make it 17-0 after 24 minutes.

Italy’s poor lineout proved detrimental as an overthrow in the French 22 was quickly spread wide by the potent French attack and brilliant hands led to Axel Bevia going over in the corner.

The visitors fought back through a try by Alessandro Ortombina, who powered over from close range for a converted try before Nicolo Teneggi’s penalty made it 22-10.

A comeback looked on the cards as Lorenzo Pani intercepted Dayral’s pass in the Italy 22 and raced 80 metres to score.

Auriac scored three consecutive penalties to wrestle back France’s momentum before they secured their four-try bonus point through Auriac’s touchdown after he was assisted by quick hands from Reybier and Louis Lebrun.

France should have sealed the win with another try but after a beautiful flowing move, Bevia knocked on.

However, full-back Auriac rounded off a dominant French display with a penalty to send them into next Friday’s encounter with Ireland with a bonus point win.

Loosehead prop Matis Perchaud was awarded player of the match. He carried powerfully, was ferocious in defence and played a key part in a dominant French scrum.