Italy threatened an upset against France today but even though they lost 23-21, there is no denying that they played some exceptional rugby this afternoon. The handling and running lines of their 10-12-13 axis of Carlo Canna, Gonzalo Garcia and Michele Campagnaro were delightful to watch and this lovely bit of inter-play right on half time almost yielded a glorious try for the outside centre.
Campagnaro showed excellent power and pace to reach the line but appeared to be just short of the whitewash. Should referee JP Doyle have checked this with the TMO?
Italy put the disappointment of that near miss behind them as they came out just as strong in the second half. And after their captain Serio Parisse was held up just short of the line, Canna slid through a gap for his side's second try.
In the end, it's hard to say whether Doyle's non-decision to go to the TMO cost Italy, but the internet might have exploded had the Italians won the game after a Sergio Parisse drop goal.
