New coaches in charge as Italy prepare for French test

ITALY welcome France to Parma’s Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi today in a round one clash full of intrigue.

Both teams boast new coaching set-ups, with David Ortiz and Gaëlle Mignot taking over from Thomas Darracq at the French helm and Giovanni Raineri appointed Italian head coach at the conclusion of last year’s World Cup.

France were the victors in October, as Joanna Grisez’ hattrick helped them to a 39-3 quarter-final win over the Azzurre.

But Italy sneaked in a 26-19 victory against France the month previously in a World Cup warm-up, after being defeated 39-6 in the 2022 Six Nations.

Fly-half Carla Arbez will make her first international start for France.

Pauline Bourdon, who deputised exceptionally when Laure Sansus’ World Cup ended in injury, will partner the 23-yearold at scrum-half, with the duo having previously played together for Bayonne.

Experienced lock Audrey Forlani will captain Les Bleues, with former skipper Gaëlle Hermet named on the bench.

Jessy Trémoulière also starts as a replacement, after announcing that she will retire from international rugby at the end of the Championship.

Head coach Ortiz said: “This first match launches our new cycle, for the players and the staff, and we can’t wait to be there. During our preparation, we emphasised defence, set-piece and taking the initiative.

“These three aspects of the game will allow us to assess our performance against an Italian team who are always difficult to play at home.”

A run to the quarter-final at the World Cup marked Italy’s best ever performance and new boss Ranieri has named an experienced 23 including Exeter Chiefs prop Silvia Turani.

Michela Sillari at outside centre is the record points scorer in Italian women’s rugby (112), tighthead prop Lucia Gai has 86 caps, while on the bench Sara Barattin has made 111 international appearances - the record for an Azzurra player.

“We can’t wait to take part in this prestigious tournament”, said Raineri. “For me it is a double emotion, experiencing it for the first time as a coach, after taking the field as a player.

“We are aware of how challenging this will be, we will face very strong teams and we are preparing for the best. All the players will have to give the best account of themselves.

“We have players with experience leading the younger ones. The girls with fewer caps will look to build on the good signs that they’ve already shown.”