Yoann Maestri and Mathieu Bastareaud ran in the only tries of the game as France whitewashed Italy 29-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in what could go down as one of the worst Six Nations matches of all time.
But despite the one-sided scoreline, the display from both sides, who will meet in Pool D of the World Cup in England this autumn, was far from world class.
For once in this tournament the Stadio Olimpico was deadly silent for long spells as Italy, seemingly filled with confidence after a 22-19 win over Scotland two weeks ago, failed to deliver on the promise shown at Murrayfield.
France, who will face England in their final match of the tournament next week, hardly fared better. Les Bleus went into the half-time interval with a nine-point lead thanks to penalties from fly-half Camille Lopez (two) and full-back Scott Spedding.
Italy coach Jacques Brunel had sprung a surprise before kick-off by naming Allan in his starting XV after dropping New Zealand born Kelly Haimona from his matchday 23 altogether.
There were little in the way of running, flowing rugby in the opening half. Noa Nakaitaci ran 40 metres with ball in hand before being hauled down by Italy captain Sergio Parisse, who will likely want to consign the game in which he took his caps tally to a record 112 to the dustbin.
At the end of the half, Lopez, then Spedding burst through with mazy runs past the Italian 22-metre line before being stopped in their tracks.
To their credit, France tried to make amends after the interval. Spedding's arcing run through the Italian defence was a shining nugget in the mire. Although he was stopped before the line, from the breakdown wing Yoann Huget set up Maestri for a simple run in from 10 metres on 45 minutes.
Plisson added the conversion for a 19-point lead and the replacement fly-half made it three from three attempts with another penalty just before the hour. The game was effectively over but France were intent on wrapping a silver lining around their performance.
The visitors won a penalty in the final minute after Italy nicked the ball illegally. France went for the tap and Bastareaud took possession close to the line to barge his way over for his third try in 34 matches. Plisson added the conversion to finish with 10 points from the boot.
