February 24 down the years
Italy run riot at Murrayfield
Kaine Robertson is swamped after scoring Italy's third try on this day in 2007
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2007
Italy provided the most sensational start to any Six Nations match, scoring three intercept tries in the first six minutes on their way to a 37-17 win against Scotland at Murrayfield - their first away success in the Championship. The legendary Alessandro Troncon scored the fourth try, with fly-half Andrea Scanavacca, flanker Mauro Bergamasco and wing Kaine Robertson kicking off the rout. "It all came down to that start - the three intercepts. They're intercepts, they're so off-the-cuff you can't really do much about them. It's rubbish really, unfortunately," Scotland wing Sean Lamont said. Unsurprisingly, the mood in the Italian camp was more upbeat. "Today is the start of a new era for us," Troncon said. "For me it is a great day.''
1981
South African centre Jean de Villiers was born in Paarl. A brilliant runner and committed defender, de Villiers has recovered from a number of injury setbacks to take his place among the world's elite. He suffered a serious knee injury minutes into his Test debut in 2002, having represented South Africa at U21 and Sevens level previously, and also suffered a tournament-ending injury in the opening game of the Springboks' run to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title. A long-time servant of Western Province and the Stormers, de Villiers joined Magners League side Munster in 2009, having won a series against the British & Irish Lions and the Tri-Nations earlier in the season.
1923
The new grandstand at St Helen's was officially opened prior to the Wales-France Five Nations match. Wales win 16-8 in front of a record Swansea crowd. Rowe Harding, Melbourne Thomas and Ambrose Baker scored Welsh tries in front of 40,000 fans.
1951
France won at Twickenham for the first time, Jean Prat scoring eight points in an 11-3 victory. The inspirational flanker scored a try, conversion and drop-goal, with skipper Guy Basquet crossing for a try.
1954
New Zealand lost on French soil for the first time, succumbing 11-8 to a South-West Selection at Bordeaux in front of 15,000 spectators.
1962
Openside flanker Michel Crauste became the first forward to score a try hat-trick in a Five Nations match, crossing for France in their 13-0 win against England in Paris. Pierre Albaladejo scored France's other points with a pair of conversions.
1973
England's left wing David Duckham was in commanding form, scoring two tries in their unexpected 14-6 victory against France. His opposite number, Roland Bertranne, scored the French try.
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