France and Italy will lock horns in their World Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday without key players. Rugby World Cup 2015: Wesley Fofana out of
ADVERTISEMENTFrance and Italy will lock horns in their World Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday without key players.
Rugby World Cup 2015: Wesley Fofana out of France opener against Italy http://t.co/ou48TQ480kpic.twitter.com/FiZwKkgOSq
— Stuff.co.nz Sport (@NZStuffSport) September 17, 2015
The absences will pile more pressure on both coaches, under Philippe Sanit-Andre, the French have been less than convincing and confidence is low.
A romping victory will be the only cure.
#XVdeFrance Les Bleus règlent les derniers détails pour demain ! #soutienslexvpic.twitter.com/GXmkdNEwoo
— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) September 18, 2015
Sainte Andre played down the pressure: “I think all the teams will be tough, hard, and it will be about small details. So we are looking forward to playing this game. I have been waiting this for four years. We are there. We must arrive with a smile on our faces and play at out level.”
Italy boss and fellow Frenchman, Jacques Brunel is in a bigger pickle he’s recovering from surgery, his captain Sergio Parisse is injured and former player Mirco Bergamasco claims Brunel has lost the players “both on and off the pitch.”
L'Italie veut jouer les trouble-fêtes dans son groupe et aller en quarts ► http://t.co/cCvdRSUnjhpic.twitter.com/MuMQnnGAqc
— Rugby 365 (@Rugby365fr) September 18, 2015
Italy skipper Sergio Parisse won't play in their opening #RWC game against France at Twickenham due to injury. pic.twitter.com/q4cH3taYBN
— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) September 12, 2015
Brunel has dismissed such talk and believes Italy have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals