Inviato: 1 feb 2007, 13:20
Da "RUGBY WORLD"
Italy Women v France Women
Italy mark their first game in the tournament with a home clash to the fancied French. Having replaced Spain in the championship Italy will be out to make an instant impression although will find it hard going against a very experienced French outfit.
The Italian management and players are excited about the challenge that lies ahead of them but are aware of the magnitude of it.
"We are preparing for this historical match for Italy Women with the maximum concentration and look forward to showing what we are capable off", said Cristina Tonna, Italy's team manager.
"It is going to be a challenge for us but one we look forward to embracing."
Having lost to Wales (30-7) in November Italy will find it hard to compete with a robust and dynamic French side but will be looking to establish themselves in the tournament. It could be a similar story to their men's team who took a couple of seasons to settle and become competitive.
France were in impressive form in the World Cup, losing to New Zealand in the semi-finals, and with much of the squad still in tact will be confident of starting their campaign with a win. Although Head Coach Roland Puig has yet to name his side there is no doubt he will go for a strong pack to provide an exciting set of backs plenty of possession.
Having lost to England and Wales last year France only managed a third place finish and will be looking for a vast improvement this season.
Prediction: France are in the top four teams in the World and should come through this game comfortably. Italy will struggle to match the French in experience and could if France find their form be on the wrong end of a big score-line. France by 27 points.
Italy Women: (from) Paola Agostinelli, Giovanna Bado, Sara Barattin, Nadia Brannon, Celeste Cristofanello, Elisa Cucchiella, Elisa Facchini, Silvia Gaudino, Daniela Gini, Gimena Panichelli, Sara Pettinelli, Silvia Pizzati, Sara Sala, Maria Cristina Sanfilippo, Valentina Schiavon, Veronica Schiavon, Flavia Severin, Licia Stefan, Michela Tondinelli, Sara Trilli, Paola Zangirolami, Sara Zanon.
France Women: (from) Céline Allainmat, Dalila Boukerma, Maud Camatta, Claire Canal, Séverine Collombat, Corinne Devroute, Mélanie Gauffinet, Alexandra Gayda, Fanny Gelis, Fanny Horta, Danièle Irazu, Christelle Le Duff, Myriam Loyer, Gabrielle Mutis, Audrey Noguera, Delphine Plantet, Julie Pujol, Sandra Rabier, Laetitia Salles, Estelle Sartini, Marion Talayrac, Jennifer Troncy.
Date: Sunday 4th February 2007
Venue: BIELLA-Stadio La Marmora
Kick Off: 13.30 (GMT)
Italy Women v France Women
Italy mark their first game in the tournament with a home clash to the fancied French. Having replaced Spain in the championship Italy will be out to make an instant impression although will find it hard going against a very experienced French outfit.
The Italian management and players are excited about the challenge that lies ahead of them but are aware of the magnitude of it.
"We are preparing for this historical match for Italy Women with the maximum concentration and look forward to showing what we are capable off", said Cristina Tonna, Italy's team manager.
"It is going to be a challenge for us but one we look forward to embracing."
Having lost to Wales (30-7) in November Italy will find it hard to compete with a robust and dynamic French side but will be looking to establish themselves in the tournament. It could be a similar story to their men's team who took a couple of seasons to settle and become competitive.
France were in impressive form in the World Cup, losing to New Zealand in the semi-finals, and with much of the squad still in tact will be confident of starting their campaign with a win. Although Head Coach Roland Puig has yet to name his side there is no doubt he will go for a strong pack to provide an exciting set of backs plenty of possession.
Having lost to England and Wales last year France only managed a third place finish and will be looking for a vast improvement this season.
Prediction: France are in the top four teams in the World and should come through this game comfortably. Italy will struggle to match the French in experience and could if France find their form be on the wrong end of a big score-line. France by 27 points.
Italy Women: (from) Paola Agostinelli, Giovanna Bado, Sara Barattin, Nadia Brannon, Celeste Cristofanello, Elisa Cucchiella, Elisa Facchini, Silvia Gaudino, Daniela Gini, Gimena Panichelli, Sara Pettinelli, Silvia Pizzati, Sara Sala, Maria Cristina Sanfilippo, Valentina Schiavon, Veronica Schiavon, Flavia Severin, Licia Stefan, Michela Tondinelli, Sara Trilli, Paola Zangirolami, Sara Zanon.
France Women: (from) Céline Allainmat, Dalila Boukerma, Maud Camatta, Claire Canal, Séverine Collombat, Corinne Devroute, Mélanie Gauffinet, Alexandra Gayda, Fanny Gelis, Fanny Horta, Danièle Irazu, Christelle Le Duff, Myriam Loyer, Gabrielle Mutis, Audrey Noguera, Delphine Plantet, Julie Pujol, Sandra Rabier, Laetitia Salles, Estelle Sartini, Marion Talayrac, Jennifer Troncy.
Date: Sunday 4th February 2007
Venue: BIELLA-Stadio La Marmora
Kick Off: 13.30 (GMT)
