PARIS (AP) France's new-look side rallied from 18-10 down to edge Italy 23-21 in their opening Six Nations match on Saturday, giving new coach Guy Noves a welcome boost as he rebuilds shattered confidence following a dismal Rugby World Cup.
Italy led 21-20 with five minutes left, but flyhalf Jules Plisson thumped a brilliant penalty from 54 meters to give France a hard-fought win at Stade de France.
Left winger Virimi Vakatawa, one of four players in France's lineup making a debuts, scored France's first try.
Flanker Damien Chouly and right winger Hugo Bonneval scored France's other tries in an entertaining, error-strewn match, against a valiant Italy side depleted by injuries.
Italy's tries came from captain Sergio Parisse in the first half and flyhalf Carlo Canna after the break.
