'It will rest on my mind for a while'

REACTION: Paolo Garbisi said he apologised to his teammates after hitting the post with a dramatic last-gasp penalty, as Italy drew 13-13 against France in the Six Nations on Sunday.

The result added more pressure on hosts’ coach Fabien Galthié and his side.

Centre Jonathan Danty was shown a red card for Les Bleus before Garbisi failed an 82nd minute shot at goal in Lille.

Italy were trailing 6-13 with just 10 minutes left, when Ange Capuozzo went over for a try, converted by Garbisi.

Garbisi was then handed the chance to claim Italy’s first win over France in more than a decade, and a first in the Six Nations on French soil.

However, his tough-looking effort came back off the upright and the Italians had to settle for a share of the spoils against a relieved France.

A dramatic finish in Lille 😱#GuinnessM6N #FRAITA pic.twitter.com/0mZzLmr1mT

— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 25, 2024

“I have to be at the standard required of that job, it’s part of my job and I didn’t do it well enough,” Garbisi said in his post-match reaction.

“That’s why I apologised to my teammates after the game and to all the Italian fans.

“It’s down to me because the team were magnificent today [Sunday].

“It will rest on my mind for a little while yet.”

🇫🇷🤝🇮🇹 #FRAITA | #SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/BNg8vb7Yfb

— Six Nations (FR) (@SixNations_FR) February 25, 2024

The result means France’s hangover from a failed home World Cup continues before a trip to Wales in a fortnight’s time with their Six Nations title hopes over.

“This is a painful moment for us,” Galthié said.

“It’s a difficult Six Nations.”