The National Times - Eleven-try France destroy Italy to set up Six Nations showdown with Ireland

Fabien Galthie's team destroyed Italy with star scrum-half Antoine Dupont and full-back Leo Barre, in his first appearance of the tournament, both dotting down twice as France claimed a bonus point victory which sets up a massive clash with the Irish in Dublin in a fortnight.

Les Bleus are three points behind Ireland after racking up a record number of tries for one team in a single Six Nations match, bouncing back convincingly from their narrow and painful defeat at the hands of England.

"We were able to keep the intensity for 80 minutes which is not easy against this Italy team, so we can be proud," said Dupont to ITV.

"There were a lot of good things against England but when we had to score the tries we made mistake. 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."

France paid for their profligacy at Twickenham but were irresistible going forward in front of a large and boisterous travelling support in the Italian capital.

Italy took a shock lead through a converted Tommaso Menoncello try in the 11th minute and were only trailing by four points when Juan Ignacio Brex finished off a wonderful team move under the posts in the 27th minute.

- Steamrollered -

But France, who had already scored two tries through Mickael Guillard and Peato Mauvaka, then moved through the gears.

They steamrollered Italy with Dupont and Barre's braces and further scores from Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe and Pierre-Louis Barassi.

"That was positive, I feel satisfaction and the joy to have put together such a performance," said Galthie.

"We will reflect on the selection for the Ireland match. We have clear ideas about the future.

"We will watch all the matches from this weekend including second tier in terms of picking the squad. Picking players on form is one of my policies but also to create competition."

Paolo Garbisi's score on the hour was no more than a consolation for the Italians who stay three points ahead of Wales in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Sunday's rout was not Italy's heaviest defeat in the tournament, with an 80-23 mauling at Twickenham in 2001 remaining their blackest day.

That match featured 10 England tries which was the biggest single-team total in a Six Nations match until Sunday's magnificent display of ball-handling.

Italy next face England at Twickenham with the wind firmly whipped from their sails after a demoralising defeat which also featured eight Thomas Ramos conversions and another from substitute Maxime Lucu.

A.Robinson--TNT