Misfiring France labour to crucial victory over Italy in Marseille

After a run of eight straight defeats, France finally secured their first win of this year's 6 Nations campaign, beating Italy 34-17 at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on Friday night.  Jacques Brunel's side were in desperate need of a victory in the tournament, having fallen short against Ireland and Scotland in the opening rounds, but started unconvincingly versus a bouyed Italian outfit. Tries from Paul Gabrillagues, Hugo Bonneval and Matthieu Bastareaud helped Les Bleus across the line, but they fell short of earning a bonus point in the closing stages. France miss golden opportunities…