Paris, Feb 23: France beat Italy 25-0 in Six Nations rugby. France secured their expected Six Nations victory over Italy on Saturday (February 21) but failed to hit the heights in a mistake-ridden and pedestrian 25-0 success. The French dominated throughout in terms of possession, but were generally unstructured and scrappy in their often impatient attempt to turn that into points. They led only 10-0 at the break with a converted Imanol Harinordoquy try down the left wing -- the day after his 24th birthday -- and a Jean-Baptise Elissalde penalty. Winger Christophe Dominici broke through in the second half but dropped the ball in the act of touching down one-handed. After another Elissalde penalty, number eight Harinordoquy ran down the left wing again for his second try, stretching the lead to 20-0 with the scrum half's conversion.


Italy then allowed replacement back Pepito Elhorga to squeeze in for a third try 10 minutes from time.

France have won their opening two games, but they have yet to find top gear.


Results, standings and remaining fixtures for the 2004 Six Nations championship (kickoff times GMT): Results: France 25 Italy 0 Scotland 13 England 35 Standings P W D L F A Pts England 2 2 0 0 85 22 4 France 2 2 0 0 60 17 4 Wales 1 1 0 0 23 10 2 Ireland 1 0 0 1 17 35 0 Scotland 2 0 0 2 23 58 0 Italy 2 0 0 2 9 75 0



Previous results: Sunday, February 15 Italy 9 England 50 Saturday, February 14 France 35 Ireland 17 Wales 23 Scotland 10

Bureau Report