Rampant Les Blues ran in 11 tries in a ruthless demolition job at the Stadio Olimpico to close round three on Sunday, bouncing back from a last-gasp defeat by England that ended their Grand Slam hopes and handed the title initiative to the defending back-to-back champions.

Antoine Dupont is already looking ahead to France's likely Six Nations decider with Ireland after running in a record 11 tries in Sunday's crushing 73-24 win over Italy. "We defended well for twenty minutes,

Ireland and France have set up their blockbuster clash in the Six Nations next month with contrasting wins in the third round.

France captain Antoine Dupont led his side to a 73-24 rout of hosts Italy as they ran in 11 tries in an action-packed Six Nations triumph on Sunday, bouncing back in style from their one-point loss to England in their last game a fortnight ago.

After a stunning 73-24 victory against Italy, France looks to their next Six Nations match against undefeated Ireland on March 8. Captain Antoine Dupont sees it as a crucial encounter, potentially deciding the tournament.

When Juan Ignacio Brex finished off a superb team move under the posts in the 27th minute, Italy found themselves only four points behind at 17-13

Antoine Dupont is already looking ahead to France's likely Six Nations decider against Ireland after his team ran in a record 11 tries during Sunday's crushing 73-24 win over Italy.

France will face unbeaten Six Nations leader Ireland in a buoyant mood after thrashing Italy by a record-high 73-24 in Rome.

Antoine Dupont is already looking ahead to France's likely Six Nations decider with Ireland after his team ran in a record 11 tries in Sunday's crushing 73-24 win over Italy. It was back to the drawing board for Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada whose team were put firmly back in their place after recent progress in the Six Nations.