France hang on to beat Italy in entertaining Six Nations opener

BY Grant Constable · Sunday Feb 7, 2016

Italy came close to springing the first upset of the tournament when they were narrowly beaten 23-21 in the opening match of the 2016 Six Nations. A late attempt at a dropgoal from number eight Sergio Parisse went wide, and France hung on for victory in an entertaining clash.

Italy had led 18-10 at the Stade de France before a Hugo Bonneval try on 59 minutes, and two penalties from Jules Plisson, gave the hosts their first win under new coach Guy Noves.

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