Italy come within inch of biggest upset in Six Nations history

Paolo Garbisi struck the post in what could have been a match-winning penalty, as Italy drew 13-13 with France for the first time in Six Nations history.

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But that hit against the upright just scratches the surface of the late drama. With the shot clock running down, France sneakily wasted valuable seconds with two attempted charge downs, which aren’t permitted when a kicker lines up a penalty kick.

To make matters worse for Garbisi, the ball toppled off its tee and, with just a few seconds left on the shot clock after it had been replaced, he rushed his kick and struck the right-hand post.

It could be argued that Six Nations referee Christophe Ridley should have allowed Garbisi to retake the kick, but at it was that miss signalled the end of thrilling contest.

Had the kick been converted, Italy would have secured their first ever win in France, but as it stands they will settle for a valuable draw.

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France initially took control of this Six Nations contest with a try from Charles Ollivon, until Jonathan Danty was given a red card for a high tackle in the final play of the first half.

For large swathes of the second half it still looked as though the hosts had enough in the tank to cross the finish line, but Italy had other ideas, drawing level with a finely worked try, finished off by Ange Capuozzo.

A nervy final ten minutes followed and the tension did not let up, as France found themselves in possession with the clock in the red.

They had the chance to kick the ball out and take the draw, but opted to play for the win, a decision which almost backfired when Italy were awarded a penalty within range of the posts for a potentially rare Six Nations win.

Up stepped Garbisi, with memories of his match-winning kick in 2022 against Wales still simmering, to take a shot at glory.

But it was not to be. The ball fell from the tee, rushing Garbisi’s motions which resulted in him hitting the post, ending proceedings with a draw.

After coming within inches of a historic win in France, the Italians looked exhausted, while France walked away knowing them are now without a win at home in their last three matches.

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italy come within inch of biggest upset in six nations history

Italy’s Tommaso Menoncello was named Man of the Match. Image: Six Nations via X.

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