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 got their Six Nations campaign firmly back on track on Sunday with an 11-try masterclass which put Italy to the sword 73-24 and ensured Les Bleus stayed in touch with tournament leaders Ireland.

Italy felt the full force of a French backlash as Antoine Dupont orchestrated a 73-24 Six Nations victory in Rome. Reeling from the wasteful 26-25 defeat to England in round two that dented their title ambitions, Les Bleus amassed 11 tries to set up their showdown with unbeaten Ireland in Dublin on 8 March.

The French captain was at his imperious best as he directed matters at the Stadio Olimpico and scored two tries.