Italy vs. France: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Six Nations 2015 Preview
Italy and France enter their Week 4 encounter of this year's Six Nations under far tenser circumstances than many will have predicted, currently sitting level on points with one win apiece.
The Azzurri are hoping to build on their 22-19 win over Scotland last time out, while Les Bleus are chasing some redemption following a home defeat to Wales in Week 3.
The pair clash in Rome with the knowledge that the victor can take a huge stride in the standings before moving toward the final week of competition.
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Read on for full viewing details for the European clash, along with preview of the biggest headlines surrounding Sunday's Six Nations fixture.
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 3 p.m. GMT/11 a.m. ET
Live Stream: BBC Sport website (UK), SuperSport stream (SA)
TV Info: BBC One (UK), SuperSport 1 (SA)
Philippe Saint-Andre's Revived Revolution
Not for the first time during his tenure as France coach, Philippe Saint-Andre has undertaken drastic change in his squad selection this week with a view to unearthing his best lineup.
Les Bleus have made no fewer than eight changes from the starting XV that succumbed to Wales in Paris, some decision forced through injury and suspension, while others are merely performance-related.
It's a bold decision for Saint-Andre to make with a World Cup just six months away, but a necessary one given that the tried-and-tested crop under his command simply haven't been coming up with the goods.
Out-of-form outside centre Mathieu Bastareaud remains benched in favour of Gael Fickou, but the Toulon behemoth is completely understanding of his coach's decision, he told Rugbyrama (h/t Planet Rugby):
"It's no good to put your head underwater and sulk. The results are not there, but you have to look forward. Dwelling on it and being disappointed isn't what will make a difference. He needed to speak his mind and I have no problem with that, quite the contrary.
He doesn't have to use tweezers with us. He's the boss. It's good to have meetings and to say things. But now if it's not followed up by actions on Sunday, then it's useless.
"
Other changes of note see Loann Goujon start at No. 8 ahead of Clermont's Damien Chouly, Scott Spedding take Brice Dulin's place at full-back and Maxime Mermoz replace the injured Wesley Fofana at inside centre.
Rugby World writer Gavin Mortimer illustrates France's struggle for a consistent XV since Saint-Andre's arrival three years ago:
"Noa Nakaitaci will be the 82nd player used by Philippe Saint-Andre since the start of 2012. Stuart Lancaster has used 67 in the same period.
— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) March 13, 2015"
Italy, on the other hand, are far more likely to rely on a set staple of stars and can hope France's starting lineup disruption gives them an opportunity to excel in Rome on Sunday.
On the other hand, France's forced hand could lead to more fruitful benefits than have been seen for some years, with a number of players aiming to grasp their chance at a rare start.
Azzurri Seeking Slick Finish
Having proven their potential with a surprise win at Murrayfield, Italian spirits will be sky-high at present, with Jacques Brunel looking to end his Azzurri tenure on the brightest note possible.
Coming into the tournament, it may have seemed mad to suggest the Italians could get the better of France, but Planet Rugby question whether that's the case after getting their first points of the campaign:
Predictably so, it was a trademark stubbornness in defence that gave Brunel's men the key to their triumph, a win earned through heart and blunt-force trauma more than glitz and glamour.
With that momentum, the time is as good as any for Sunday's home outfit to strike for the second match in a row, with France on the ropes after losing their last two games in succession.
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