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

Six Nations latest score and rugby updates after seven-try first half - Les Bleus must hit back after England defeat with huge showdown against Ireland coming up

The French captain was at his imperious best as he directed matters at the Stadio Olimpico and scored two tries.

France got their Six Nations campaign firmly back on track on Sunday by thrashing Italy 73-24 in Rome and staying in touch with tournament leaders Ireland.

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.

France sent an emphatic Six Nations warning shot to Ireland with a 73-24 destruction of Italy in Rome. Rampant Les Blues ran in 11 tries in a ruthless demolition job at the Stadio Olimpico to close round three on Sunday,

Captain Antoine Dupont led France to an overwhelming 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.

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.