Saint-Andre backs France to bounce back after Italy loss

Les Bleus' last visit to Italy, in March 2011, ended in a 22-21 defeat at nearby Flaminio Stadium and handed the Azzurri their first ever Six Nations win over France.

Two years on, Jacques Brunel's steadily improving side put in a strong, convincing display that should send future opponents rushing to study video footage.

“The Grand Slam is lost, not the tournament. Now we have to turn our attention to Wales before they come to Paris next week,” said Saint-Andre, who was quick to congratulate Italy's performance.

“You have to says hats off to Italy,” added Saint-Andre. “They're 10th in the (world) rankings, they're improving all the time and today they simply deserved to win.”

After a promising November Test series produced three wins over Australia, Argentina and Samoa, France were regarded as tournament co-favorites along with England.

But at the Olympic Stadium, and with Italy desperate to build on some strong performances of their own from November, against Australia and New Zealand, the hosts had other ideas.

Italy went 7-0 up after seven minutes when captain Sergio Parissse touched down for a try and Luis Orquera, who went on to kick ten points, converted.

France battled back on 11 minutes when Louis Picamoles scrambled over for the try, only for fly-half Frederic Michalak to miss the conversion.

It was the first of several errors that would prove costly for the visitors.

Crucially, France then spurned the chance to add another five-pointer when Wesley Fofana's off-load to the unmarked Fulgence Ouedraogo on the right went into touch.

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