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.

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.

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.

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

France's 73-point haul is the second highest in the history of the men's Six Nations history. England's 80 points in their victory over Italy in 2001 continues to lead the way. But it's France's biggest ever win in the Six Nations.

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.