![France 'still in hunt' for Six Nations title despite slow start](https://www.berlinertageblatt.de/media/shared/articles/99/09/8a/France--still-in-hunt--for-Six-Nati-300820.jpg)
-
'Super proud' Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
-
In Papua New Guinea, Pope holds mass 'at the edge of the world'
-
Hewett stays positive for wheelchair tennis despite agonising defeat
-
Three things on US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka
-
Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
-
USA men land Paralympic basketball three-peat, Jiang takes 7th swim gold
-
USA slump to first home defeat against Canada in 67 years
-
Argentina hand Australia record 67-27 loss in Rugby Championship
-
England impress on Carsley bow, Germany, Dutch hit five
-
AFP photographer wins top prize for Gaza coverage
-
No Love for Packers for three weeks after ligament sprain: reports
-
Pedro Almodovar: chronicler of modern Spain crowned in Venice
-
Almodovar wins top Venice prize for end-of-life film
-
Trump sounds dark tone at rally, Harris 'ready' for debate
-
Wirtz and Musiala dazzle to kick-start new Germany era
-
Chinese teenager takes 7th gold of Paris Paralympics
-
England interim boss Carsley 'respects' divided opinions over anthem
-
Neuville moves to the front in the Acropolis Rally
-
Garfield, Pugh charm Toronto in new romance 'We Live in Time'
-
21 boys confirmed dead in Kenya school inferno
-
Over 100,000 protest in France against new prime minister
-
Golden 30 minutes takes China to swimming Paralympics swimming domination
-
Green leads Australia to T20 series sweep of Scotland
-
Nigeria, Cameroon win afer chaotic AFCON build-ups
-
Nicole Kidman: A-lister, cinematic chameleon, wins in Venice
-
'I had to prove myself', says Kolisi after win against All Blacks
-
Almodovar wins top prize at Venice film festival
-
Grealish savours England redemption after 'worst summer'
-
Carsley makes flying start as England interim boss in win over Ireland
-
Springboks close on Rugby Championship with storming win over All Blacks
-
Sri Lanka's De Silva and Kamindu Mendis defy England in third Test
-
Farrell's Racing lose on opening day of Top 14
-
Ireland and UK to 'reset' relations as Starmer visits Dublin
-
Dunbar takes second Vuelta stage as Roglic closes in on victory
-
Fritz eyes US Open glory to end 21 years of American hurt
-
Thousands protest in France against new prime minister
-
Death toll from Kenya school blaze rises to 21
-
Brazil's right rallies for 'freedom' after X suspended
-
Trump to hold rally in swing state, Harris preps for debate
-
Stone at the double as Sri Lanka collapse against England in third Test
-
French tennis player takes legal action over online abuse
-
Italy backs Kyiv's 'legitimate defence' as Zelensky presses allies
-
The Body Shop rescued from administration after deal
-
Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint, extends MotoGP lead
-
Smoke and screams: The horror of Kenya's school dorm inferno
-
MotoGP leader Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint
-
Ireland and UK to 'reset' relations as Starmer begins Dublin visit
-
Ma Lin turns brutal encounter with bear into glorious Paralympic career
-
Flintoff appointed England Lions head coach
-
Sri Lanka hit back as Pope falls during England collapse in second Test
![France 'still in hunt' for Six Nations title despite slow start](https://www.berlinertageblatt.de/media/shared/articles/99/09/8a/France--still-in-hunt--for-Six-Nati-300820.jpg)
France 'still in hunt' for Six Nations title despite slow start
France captain Charles Ollivon said on Saturday his side still hopes to lift the Six Nations despite a sluggish start to their campaign.
Les Bleus were humbled by favourites Ireland in the tournament opener and edged Scotland in the second round of games, as they appeared to be suffering a four-month hangover from October's Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa.
On Sunday, France host Italy, who have just two wins in the Six Nations since 2015, having been criticised by fans, media and former players for their performances so far this year.
"We're still in the hunt. We won in Scotland, it's not nothing," Ollivon told reporters.
"Things are positive, we're holding our heads a bit higher.
"It's down to us to be serious tomorrow to give ourselves the right to dream in the final two matches," the flanker added.
France would need to win their remaining games of the Six Nations, against Italy, Wales and France, and hope table-topping Ireland slip-up, to win the title for this first time since 2022.
"We know all the points count, it can go down to the final round of games," Ollivon said.
"Obviously it's in the corner of our minds. To be there abouts in the final round of matches we don't have a choice, we have to have a big game this weekend," the 30-year-old added.
Ollivon has taken over from the injured Gregory Alldritt as skipper for the game in northern France. He previously led the side for two seasons after Fabien Galthie took over as head coach in late 2019.
"It happened naturally," Toulon's Ollivon said.
"There's a desire to do well, as usual, to lead the team, to go forward in a serious way with a lot of pleasure.
"Everyone has his place, his role, we move on together, hand in hand," he added.
Later Saturday, French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey was ruled out of the game with a stiff neck and replaced in the starting lineup by Matthis Lebel.
"Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been ruled out. Matthis Lebel replaces him on the team sheet," the French federation said in a statement.
T.Bondarenko--BTB