France hammer Italy to keep Six Nations title hopes alive

Men's Six Nations

Italy (17) 24

Tries: Menoncello, Brex, Garbisi Cons: Allan 2, Garbisi Pens: Allan

France (35) 73

Tries: Guillard, Mauvaka, Dupont 2, Boudehent, Barre 2, Alldritt, Bielle-Biarrey, Attissogbe, Barassi Cons: Ramos 8, Lucu

France scored 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

The game, with 14 tries, broke the previous championship record of 12 tries in a match, and it was also France's highest score in the Six Nations.

In a thrilling 52-point first half, Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello, but France scored three tries to regain control.

Lock Mickael Guillard, hooker Peato Mauvaka and captain Antoine Dupont crossed, before a try from Ignacio Brex gave the hosts hope.

Flanker Paul Boudehent smashed his way over the line for France's bonus-point try, with full-back Leo Barre scoring to extend the visitors' lead.

Fabien Galthie's side refused to let up in the second period and scored again through Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and player-of-the-match Dupont.

Paolo Garbisi scored the hosts' third try, but a ruthless France finished strong as Barre, Theo Attissogbe and Pierre-Louis Barassi all scored.

France's 73 points is also the second-most points scored by a team in a championship match, after the 80 points scored by England against Italy in 2001.

The results means Galthie's side sit three points behind leaders Ireland, who they face next in Dublin on 8 March, while Italy travel to face England at Allianz Stadium on 9 March.

Les Bleus, if they are going to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2022, now head to Dublin knowing a victory - given their superior points difference - could put them in pole position for the title.

Clinical France bounce back from England nightmare

The Azzurri, who have beaten France twice in Rome in Six Nations games, responded to a fast start from Galthie's side to strike first as Menoncello hit a superb attacking line before racing clear.

France had butchered numerous try-scoring opportunities in a surprise defeat by England at Allianz Stadium last time out, and looked intent on making amends.

Their clinical edge returned, with lock Mickael Guillard powering his way over the tryline before Mauvaka dotted down from the back of a rampaging maul.

Galthie was brutal in his selection after his side blew a possible Grand Slam in London, dropping fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and star wing Damian Penaud, in two of seven changes.

And those changes proved central to his side's performance as Thomas Ramos' move to fly-half allowed Stade Francais' full-back Barre to shine.

A neat switch between Federico Ruzza and Brex for Italy's second try showed the hosts were not going down without a fight, but that was quickly cancelled out as Boudehent grabbed the bonus-point try.

A repeat of Dupont's surprising, below-par outing against England never seemed likely, and the scrum-half was on hand to set up Barre with sharp feet and a short pass.

Dupont's excellent finish for his second try after the break indicated Les Bleus' intent to keep their foot on the accelerator, knowing points difference could be vital in their title chase.

Galthie unloaded his bench, which included seven forwards, early in the second half and that impact helped maintain the high intensity to allow France's backs to cause more damage in the final quarter.

Ireland have beaten Galthie's side in back-to-back Six Nations, and now know that a France side with their tails up will be coming to Dublin for a showdown.

'It will be a huge game in Dublin' - Dupont

France captain Antoine Dupont, speaking to ITV: "It was a tough game, especially at the start. We were able to keep the intensity for 80 minutes which is not easy against this Italy team, so we can be proud.

"There were a lot of good things against England but when we had to score the tries we made mistakes. Today, it was better.

"We know it will be a huge game in Dublin. We have two weeks to prepare for that but it will be tough for sure."

Line-ups

Italy: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Gesi; Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ferrari, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.

Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Trulla.

France: Barre; Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Guillard, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.

Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Roumat, Jegou, Jelonch, Lucu.

Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)