In a thrilling encounter at the Sergio-Lanfranchi Stadium in Parma, the French women's rugby team emerged victorious against Italy, clinching a 34-21 win on April 19, 2025. This match, part of the Women's Six Nations Tournament, was a crucial step for France as they aim to secure the Grand Slam, with a final showdown against England looming next weekend.
The match kicked off with an explosive start, as France's Joanna Grisez opened the scoring just one minute into the game, darting over the line to give her team an early 7-0 lead after a successful conversion by Morgane Bourgeois. However, Italy quickly responded with a powerful try from Vittoria Vecchini at the 18th minute, leveling the score at 7-7. The Italian side, buoyed by their recent victory over Scotland, showcased their strength in the pack, applying pressure and scoring again through Aura Muzzo at the 26th minute, pushing ahead to 14-7.
France fought back with determination, and Morgane Bourgeois capitalized on a well-coordinated play to score another try at the 29th minute, closing the gap to 14-12. Despite their efforts, the French team struggled with discipline, allowing Italy to score once more just before half-time through Silvia Turani, who crossed the line after a well-executed rolling maul. With the conversion successful, Italy led 21-12 at the break, leaving the French team with much to ponder.
As the second half commenced, the French side knew they had to step up their game. Coach Gaëlle Mignot emphasized the need for a more disciplined approach. "We told ourselves at half-time not to panic. We needed to rebuild our game and put our strategy into action," said Marine Ménager, who played a pivotal role in the comeback.
France began to turn the tide after the break, with Bourgeois scoring a penalty in the 43rd minute, narrowing the score to 21-15. The momentum shifted dramatically when Romane Ménager scored a try at the 54th minute, following a strong phase of play, which Bourgeois converted to give France a narrow lead at 22-21.
With the match hanging in the balance, the French team found their rhythm. Marine Ménager extended their lead with a crucial try in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a mistake from the Italian defense. Bourgeois converted the try, pushing the score to 29-21. Just two minutes later, Alexandra Chambon sealed the deal with another try, finishing a slick passing move that showcased the French team's attacking prowess. With Bourgeois adding the conversion, the final score settled at 34-21.
This victory marked France's fifth consecutive win against Italy, extending their dominance in the rivalry, with a record of 23 wins out of 28 encounters. The French team now looks ahead to their final match of the tournament against England, where they will aim for the championship title.
France's performance, while ultimately victorious, highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in discipline and execution. "We were too penalized to expect anything at half-time, but we managed to pull through in the second half," Bourgeois reflected post-match. The team's resilience will be tested against a formidable England side, who have historically been a tough opponent.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high for France. With a Grand Slam within reach, they must refine their strategy and maintain composure in the face of pressure. The upcoming clash against England promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in women's rugby.
In summary, the French women's rugby team demonstrated grit and determination in their victory over Italy, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in the Six Nations Tournament. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the team performs against their toughest rivals next week.
