France Edges Closer to Six Nations Title After Hard-Fought Win Over Italy

The French national rugby team, the XV de France, delivered a commanding 33-8 victory over Italy on February 22, 2026, consolidating their position at the top of the Six Nations standings with three consecutive bonus-point wins. This performance leaves France undefeated after three rounds, and they stand just five points shy of claiming their 28th Six Nations title.

Coach Fabien Galthié acknowledged the match against Italy was challenging, with the Italian squad disrupting France’s possession particularly in ground and aerial phases. He praised his players’ adaptability and defensive resilience despite errors in player placement attributed partly to the unexpected absence of star fly-half Matthieu Jalibert. Galthié highlighted the valuable experience gained by the debutant Gaël Dréan amid the team’s high energy and adaptability.

Stepping into the fly-half role, Thomas Ramos—marking his 50th cap—displayed a mixed performance. Ramos scored a try and achieved an 80% kicking success (four from five attempts). While he demonstrated moments of brilliance, including a notable 50-22 kick leading to a try, he also made some uncharacteristic errors, such as a mis-kick that allowed Italy to score. Nonetheless, his leadership was evident in guiding his teammates, including the newcomer Dréan, throughout the match.

Looking ahead, France’s next Six Nations fixture is against Scotland on March 7 at Murrayfield. A bonus-point win in that match would secure the championship title for the first time since 2006-2007 by reaching an unassailable 20 points, making France impossible to overtake. Currently, Scotland is in second place but can only reach a maximum of eight points, with Ireland trailing and other contenders, including England and Italy, effectively out of the running.

Galthié emphasized the importance of adapting to each opponent’s defensive tactics and maintaining focus as France aims for a Grand Slam. With their blend of experience and spirited defense, the French squad appears well-prepared for the decisive upcoming clash that could crown them champions early in the tournament.