It is fair to say that former England hooker Brian Moore is not referee Craig Joubert's biggest fan.

If you had a little bet with your mates over who would be top tackler in this World Cup, Thierry Dusautoir would probably have been in your thinking. Correct? Thought so. 

The France flanker has started with eight in the first half hour, including a turnover. The Toulouse blind-side has also carried three times. What a guy. 

Image source, AFP

Italy struggling on their own scrum. The front row collapses, the rest of the forwards follow like a pack of cards, but the ball finds its way to Edoardo Gori, yet he's prevented from releasing the pass by Sebastien Tillous-Borde's stray foot. 

Tommaso Allan faces a tricky kick, but his effort just about has enough juice and direction to sail between the posts. 

This match hasn't the va va voom of a South Africa versus Japan. But perhaps no match ever has. 

Neither France nor Italy have burst into full Technicolour yet. Penalties spoiling currently spoiling the spectacle. 

Image source, AFP

Former England fly-half Toby Flood is not impressed with the TMO's performance.

Here are some stats for you: despite France not contesting the breakdown - content to allow Italy to recycle possession easily and get their defensive line sorted out - the Azzurri have been profligate in possession, turning the ball over four times in the opening 25 minutes.

Image source, AP

France finding some soprt of rhythm, though it isn't quite yet the equivalent of a full-on jive or jitterbug. Nine penalties coughed up by Italy inside their own half. 

Sometimes Frederic Michalak punishes them, sometimes he doesn't. On this occasion he arrows his effort through he middle. 

The bobbling ball drags France backwards and the men in red lose acres of ground by failing to find their man with a series if iffy passes. Danger is averted thanks to a scrambled defence - Louis Picamoles is the man the French should thank. 

This game has yet to settle down into any real rhythm or pattern. Italy started poorly but have got a foothold in the match in the last 10 minutes despite disruption to their side before and during the game. Here's some graphics on possession and territory for you...

Image source, Opta

Bad news for the Italians as the experienced Andrea Masi has left the pitch, the centre has apparently injured his Achilles and that could be the end of his tournament. Enrico Bacchin replaces him. 

Image source, AP

The Italian scrum wobbling. Matias Aguero penalised for slipping and his fellow prop Martin Castrogiovanni looks into the night sky in despair. 

Frederic Michalak's radar needs fine-tuning, however, as he hits the uprights  again. Italy off the hook. 

Italy have made a modest start, but their stand-in captain Leonardo Ghiraldini has immediately impressed with the extra responsibility on his shoulders.

Four tackles in the first 14 minutes have been augmented by 18m gained from three carries, one of which was a clean break that set up a penalty opportunity. 

Italy currently monopolising possession and it's France's indiscipline which is currently being punished. "Allez les bleus," cry the crowd, Twickenham turned into a patch for Gallic patriotic fervour. 

Image source, Reuters

Where were we? Ah, yes, Italy bursting forward and earning a penalty in a kickable distance but the Azzurri still haven't found a reliable kicker...       Tommaso Allan messes up. An ugly miss from the outside half. 

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Shaun Veldsman has not had a good couple of days as the TMO. Again they have had to go back when the ball was teed up for the conversion."

Italy are going to have to be more disciplined than they have been in the first five minutes. Three penalties already conceded, giving France field position and then chances for points.

Image source, Opta

France were denied a try, but Frederic Michalak does some damage with the boot nevertheless, ensuring the French come away from the Italian 22 with some points at least.