Les Bleues have recorded wins over Ireland and Scotland to leave them second behind defending champions England in the table, though they have one fewer bonus point after fighting back after half-time to defeat Scotland 15-5 in round two.
Italy have not beaten France since 2019, and while they are still awaiting their first victory on French soil, experienced flanker Hermet (pictured) is in no doubt what she and her teammates will face when they return to action following their week off.
“I think it’s been a good week for us to recuperate and the squad is in good heart,” she said. “It is going to be a fierce match with lots of contact and will be very physical. We’ll have to be very effective with our attack, especially close to their line.
“Italy versus France is always a special match as there are lots of Italians who play in France. I think they will bring a lot of pressure and be very motivated for the match.
“Italy have a good mix with their forward pack and backline. They will want to move the ball when they have the chance or put pressure on us with their kicks.”
GROWING STRENGTH
France are certainly not taking Italy for granted. If they do, their 22-12 win on the opening day of the 2023 tournament should serve as a warning if complacency creeps in. That day, Italy’s defence held France out for 25 minutes, and while they couldn’t avoid an eventual defeat, they did stop France from claiming a four-try bonus point.
It was another match that showed the growing strength of the Championship teams, and it was underlined again for France in round two against Scotland.
In 2023 France scored nine tries in a 55-0 victory, but a year on Scotland led at half-time and limited Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz’s team to two tries in the match.
Last year centre Gabrielle Vernier scored tries against Italy and Scotland to finish the Championship with five, which helped her win the Player of the Championship award.
While the improvements across the tournament mean France will have to work harder for their victories, it is something that Vernier welcomes.
“It’s extremely important to have a highly-contested Six Nations tournament,” she said. “We would like to play five matches as tough as those against England, because we remain competitors above all else.
“If the teams are better, it will be beneficial for women's rugby as a whole. I hope that all nations will invest in their women's team.”
MAINTAINING CONTROL
With two wins under their belt and matches on three consecutive weekends to come, France know that they will need to stay focused if they want to go into the final match of the Championship against England with a chance of toppling the defending champions.
That match will take place at the Stade Chaban-Dalmas in Bordeaux, home of Bordeaux-Begles, while this Sunday’s clash with Italy is being played at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris, where Stade Francais play.
It means they will have the support of their public as they continue their steps to develop and expand their style of play, and they have several players who they are able to build that style around.
Captain Manaé Feleu is leading the way with 12 lineout wins, to ensure a plentiful supply of ball, while Number 8 Romane Ménager leads France’s offence with 33 linebreaks and five offloads.
“We want to control games, have fun, and not hold back in our attacking strategy,” the 26-year-old Vernier said. “We managed to do that against Ireland, but a little less against Scotland, even if we beat them.
“Now we have to be more strategic, without abandoning our desire to play. The matches will be closer, and we will have to be even more precise.
“Our defence has been our strength for years and we’ve shown that with our start to the tournament, particularly against Scotland. Overall, we remain confident in our ability to defend well.”
FINAL WHISTLE
France’s match on Sunday will be the last for referee Joy Neville before she moves onto developing the next generation of whistle blowers.
The former Ireland Grand-Slam winning captain is someone that France players know well, and Hermet has happy memories of playing in matches she has controlled.
“Neville is a very good referee, especially in her exchanges with players, and she is always good to talk to,” Hermet said.
“She has been a great referee and had such a long career with responsibility for some of the biggest matches going. She is one of the best referees I have played under.”
