France rugby captain Thierry Dusautoir said he and his team may have come out of the World Cup final with their heads held high but they can afford no slip-ups against Italy in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Saturday.
The 30-year-old world player of the year – outstanding in the 8-7 World Cup final defeat by the All Blacks – said it was vital they start the campaign and the first match of coach Philippe Saint-Andre’s reign with a win in front of their home fans at the Stade de France.
“Obviously coming so close to winning the World Cup was an immense disappointment,” said the Ivory Coast-born flanker, who has earned the sobriquet of the ‘Dark Destroyer’.
“We were disappointed, distraught even, but it is imperative to prepare for the future and that is the match against Italy.”
Dusautoir, set to win his 50th cap on Saturday having made his debut in 2006 against Romania, is well aware France suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Italy last year, one of many bizarre reverses they endured in the rollercoaster four year reign of Marc Lievremont.
However, the Toulouse star, who has won two French titles and the 2010 European Cup since arriving from Biarritz in 2006, said there would be nobody taking their opponents for granted as might have been the case last year.
“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.
“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.”