Saint-Denis (AFP)

The XV of France, started on the floor then laborious in the second period, dominated Italy (35-22), Sunday at the Stade de France, to start the Six Nations Tournament with two successes. A first since 2016.

A week after the convincing success in front of England (24-17), the Blues take at the same time the first place of the classification of the Tournament 2020, doubling Ireland, ahead of the difference in points (+20 against +17). The XV of the Clover dominated Scotland (19-12) then Wales (24-14), next opponent of the French in two weeks, in Cardiff.

The French have entered five tries by Teddy Thomas (6th), Charles Ollivon (17th), Grégory Alldritt (38th), Romain Ntamack (58th) and Baptiste Serin (73rd), synonymous with offensive bonuses.

Unlike his predecessor Jacques Brunel, who had started with two defeats (ahead of Ireland 15-13 then Scotland 32-26 in 2018), Fabien Galthié therefore launched his mandate with two successes. Like Guy Novès, Philippe Saint-André and Marc Lièvremont before him.

It is also necessary to go back to the edition of four years ago, and the first of Novès, to see the Blues start a tournament with two victories (Italy 23-21 then Ireland 10-9).

In the week following the defensive success against the English, the coach of the Blues had promised "progress", especially in the offensive animation. Wind and rain did not necessarily help the French to develop their game, starting with Romain Ntamack who missed two transformations and a penalty in the first period, thereby giving up seven points along the way.

But the main thing is elsewhere: the XV of France has had a second success, failing to have completely met the requirements of its coach.

-Dupont, Willemse and Alldritt run the house-

Because, if his men arrive at the international break with five more points in the bag, Galthié now knows the magnitude of the task ahead.

The collection of penalties, balloons lost in touch or abandoned during the last forty minutes symbolized the end of the state of grace, born with success against the English.

As against the latter, the conquest was indeed failing. And, like last Sunday, the French replacements, with the exception of Taofifénua, Serin and Jallibert, were not able to bring the spark that was missing.

In the 55th minute, the Blues had even missed eighteen tackles. Nothing to delight the demanding defense coach Shaun Edwards.

Already in the first period, after a convincing start, they had experienced an astonishing vacuum, a real black hole, which allowed Italians hitherto very pale to return to a meeting where they however never really existed ( 13-0 at the 17th, 13-10 at the 28th).

Fortunately, the XV of France can rely on individuals, Antoine Dupont at the head. The Toulousain was once again brilliant, with a new XXL performance for the Blues engine, matched by more than 70 meters won and three defenders beaten. Second row Paul Willemse also held the booth, with 14 tackles in just 43 minutes. Without forgetting Grégory Alldritt, still crowned "Man of the Match", and author of many devastating charges.

But the Blues still deplore three tests cashed in front of the Squadra Azzurra. They now have a few days off before diving into preparation for the trip to Cardiff to face Wales, the defending champion. An appointment which will constitute a good passing exam for the new XV of France.

© 2020 AFP