France eyes Six Nations Grand Slam after comeback win over Italy

Les Bleues mount second-half fightback in Parma to keep Grand Slam hopes alive ahead of Twickenham showdown.

France's wing Marine Menager (center) attempts to run past Italy's players during the Women's Six Nations rugby match between Italy and France at Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium in Parma on April 19, 2025. Photo by Filippo Monteforte/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

France kept their dream of a Six Nations Grand Slam alive on Saturday with a hard-fought 34-21 victory over Italy in Parma. Trailing 21-12 at halftime, Les Bleues mounted a gritty comeback in the second half, scoring 22 unanswered points to overcome a determined Italian side. The result sets up a tantalizing final round clash against defending champions England at Twickenham, where France’s Six Nations Grand Slam ambitions will be tested.

This was no easy outing for France. Despite being favourites going into the match, the French team appeared stunned by the intensity and tactical precision of Italy, who controlled large parts of the first half. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Italians had racked up three tries and led by nine points. For a team aiming to end a six-year drought without a Grand Slam, it was a sobering start.

Italy dominates early, but France holds firm

From the opening whistle, Italy showed no signs of intimidation. The home side stormed ahead, scoring three tries in the first 40 minutes, with Silvia Turani capping off the half by powering over the line just before the break. Their aggressive playstyle and strong defensive work kept the French unsettled and searching for rhythm.

France, meanwhile, struggled to convert possession into points. Morgane Bourgeois managed to notch one try in the first half, while Romane Menager added another, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities left them trailing. At halftime, the mood among the French players was tense, but focused.

“We said at halftime not to lose our heads,” said Marine Menager, whose second-half try would help turn the tide. “The key was not to panic, to slowly regain a foothold in the match. That’s what we did.”

Turning the tide in the second half

The comeback began in measured steps. Bourgeois reduced the deficit with a penalty kick early in the second half. However, instead of capitalizing immediately on the momentum shift, France found themselves thwarted by relentless Italian defence. A bold decision to kick for touch instead of taking three easy points backfired, as Italy forced a crucial turnover near their try line.

It wasn’t until the 55th minute that France finally regained the lead. Flanker Romane Menager broke through the Italian line to score under the posts, and Bourgeois converted to edge France ahead. Despite another chance to extend the lead with a penalty, Bourgeois missed, adding to the tension.

Even more pressure mounted when she failed to convert a straightforward kick minutes later. At that point, the margin between a narrow victory and potential disaster was slim.

France finishes strong to keep Grand Slam dream alive

Fortunately for France, their depth and experience began to show. As the Italian defence began to tire, Marine Menager seized the opportunity, slicing through to score a pivotal try. Alexandra Chambon followed soon after, sealing the win and putting a flattering sheen on the scoreboard.

The 34-21 final score did not reflect the full story of the match, but it was enough to keep the Grand Slam dream alive for another week.

Scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus acknowledged the uphill battle that lies ahead as the team prepares to face England at Twickenham.

“People may write off our chances, but we will go to England with belief in ourselves,” Bourdon Sansus said. “We will play our game. We have nothing to lose. We’ve been chasing this prize since 2018, and we want to end that drought.”

A showdown at Twickenham awaits

With one match remaining in the 2024 Women’s Six Nations, France now turns their attention to the final fixture against England. The Red Roses have dominated the competition in recent years and are favourites to retain their crown. But France’s Six Nations Grand Slam hopes are not just mathematical—they’re very real.

The last time France defeated England in this competition was in 2018—the same year they last won the Grand Slam. Since then, England has had the upper hand in their head-to-head meetings. But France believes they have what it takes to change the script.

Twickenham will provide the grand stage for this final act. England, likely to head into the match unbeaten themselves, will be seeking to cap off another flawless campaign. But France, buoyed by their spirited win over Italy, will carry with them not only belief but also the weight of six years of unfinished business.

Resilience and belief fuel France’s campaign

This French squad, built on a blend of youthful energy and seasoned veterans, has shown resilience throughout the tournament. Against Ireland, Scotland, and now Italy, they’ve overcome moments of adversity to emerge victorious. But to complete a perfect campaign and win France’s Six Nations Grand Slam, they’ll need to play their best rugby of the year.

As the final whistle blew in Parma, there was no celebration—just determination. The road ahead is clear, the stakes enormous. France’s journey to Twickenham is not just about one match; it’s about proving they belong at the very top of women’s rugby once more.

One final step remains.