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

Italy host France as Six Nations third-round weekend draws to an exciting close in Rome today. Les Bleus make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico desperate to bounce back quickly from their shock last-gasp defeat by England at Twickenham a fortnight ago that scuppered their latest Grand Slam hopes and made Ireland strong favourites to win a historic and unprecedented third successive title.