France racked up a record 73-24 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday to go second behind pacesetters Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations championships.
Seeking redemption after an error-strewn defeat to England on 8 February, Fabien Galthié's men ran in four tries before the half hour mark.
“We were able to keep the intensity for 80 minutes which is not easy against this Italy team, so we can be proud,” said France captain Antoine Dupont.
“When we had the chance to score the tries against England we made mistakes. Today, it was better."
Italy suggested a contest with the first try of the afternoon from Tommaso Menoncello. France replied when lock Mickael Guillard smashed his way through.
Tommaso Allan kicked Italy ahead 10-7 but France touched down twice in three minutes. Hooker Peato Mauvaka was driven over the line then Dupont set up up wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Italy closed to within four points when Juan Ignacio Brex finished an Ange Capuozzo counterattack in the end-to-end action but France led 35-17 by half-time after flanker Paul Boudehent and Léo Barré barged through for tries.
Ascendance
The second-half was one-way traffic as Galthié reshuffled his forwards to grind the hosts down.
“They managed to exploit every little mistake we made, they really took everything,” said Italy skipper Michele Lamaro.
On Saturday, Ireland claimed the Triple Crown – victories over England, Scotland and Wales – with a 27-18 success in Cardiff to inflict a 15th consecutive defeat on Wales.
The hosts led 18-13 at half-time but Ireland recovered for the victory. "We didn’t panic and we had to eke it out one minute at a time,” said Ireland captain Dan Sheehan said. “That’s what all those lads have practised for years.”
Despite the continuation of their worst slump in their 144-year history, Wales skipper Jac Morgan hailed the improved performance of his side after losing 43-0 to France and 24-15 to Italy.
“Credit to Ireland, they’re one of the best teams in the world but we were in the game for most of it," said Morgan. “I thought we were amazing.”
For the second match running, England won by a point. Against France, Elliot Daly scored a try in the 78th minute and Fin Smith converted to make it 26-25.
On Saturday, Scotland's Finn Russell missed a conversion which enabled England to sneak home 16-15 and end a run of four consecutive defeats against the Scots.
On 8 March, Ireland host France in Dublin and Scotland entertain Wales at Murrayfield. On 9 March, England play Italy at Twickenham.
