France thrashed Italy 73-24 in the Six Nations to send a timely and emphatic title warning to Ireland. Les Bleus were scintillating in attack as they ran in a total of 11 tries during Sunday’s ruthless demolition at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with a brace apiece for man-of-the-match Antoine Dupont and Leo Barre plus scores from Mickael Guillard, Peato Mauvaka, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe and Pierre-Louis Barassi.
Only England, who had 80 against Italy back in 2001, have ever scored more points in a Six Nations match as France registered their highest total in tournament history to bounce back in incredible fashion following their shock last-gasp defeat by England a fortnight ago. Fabien Galthie’s side now head to Dublin for a potential title decider in round four full of confidence, moving to within three points of the back-to-back defending champions at the top of the table with a now vastly superior points difference.
