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.

Italy felt the full force of a French backlash as Antoine Dupont orchestrated a 73-24 Guinness Six Nations victory in Rome.

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

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.

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

France thrashed Italy 73-24 in a statement win at the Stadio Olimpico in round three of the Six Nations as Antoine Dupont starred in the eleven-try annihilation of the Italians.

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.

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,