Dusautoir wary of Italy
Captain keen to get off to a winning start
Last Updated: January 31, 2012 9:41am
Thierry Dusautoir: Looking ahead to the new era with Philippe Saint-Andre
France captain Thierry Dusautoir has warned his side that they cannot afford to underestimate Italy when they kick-off their RBS Six Nations challenge.
"We were disappointed, distraught even, but it is imperative to prepare for the future and that is the match against Italy."
Thierry Dusautoir Quotes of the week
Les Bleus might have defied the odds by reaching the World Cup final last year - eventually losing out 8-7 to New Zealand - and now have Philippe Saint-Andre in charge, but Dusautoir knows things will not be easy on Saturday.
France suffered an historic first defeat to the Azzurri in Rome last season, while the Italians were a handful at the World Cup.
"Italy lost to Australia at the World Cup (in the pool stage) but were on level terms at half-time against a team who scored 60 points against us the year before," said Dusautoir.
"This is not the Italy of a few years ago. Last year we lost to them but it was only logical after the progress they have made.
Communication
"We are going to approach this match knowing how important it is to win the first game, and for a win in Paris in front of our supporters."
Despite the Saint-Andre era still being very much in its infancy Dusautoir believes there are still improvements to be made if France are going to reach their peak.
"We reached the World Cup final well aware that there were several areas needing improvement," he said.
"With regard to Saint-Andre, it is too early to tell. The emphasis has been placed on communication, to get the players to express their views, to say what they think.
"There have been lots of meetings, collectively as well as individually, to sort out the in-house rules."
