France out to prove a point

France will face a double test in tomorrow's home game against Italy after their comfortable opening-round win over Ireland.

The French will take the field at the Stade de France without first-choice fly-half Frederic Michalak, while they also will be looking to emulate the impressive opening by England, who thrashed the Italians 50-9.

'Even without Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, England are still England but we also played a good game considering it was our first outing since the World Cup,' said coach Bernard Laporte.

Michalak, France's regular goalkicker, will be out of action for at least 10 days with a chest injury and has been replaced by uncapped 22-year-old Julien Peyrelongue. 'Julien is very talented, a good passer of the ball and a staunch defender,' said Laporte. 'He plays every weekend for Biarritz, one of the best teams in France and in Europe. His only problem is that he can't kick at goal.'

Goalkicking duties will be assumed by scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde.