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

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 score 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

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.

Italy were mere inches from winning this fixture last year and, buoyed by their victory over Wales last time out, will fancy their chances of taking down their confidence-hit rivals.

France got their Six Nations campaign firmly back on track with an 11-try masterclass in a 73-24 thrashing of Italy on Sunday to stay in touch with tournament leaders Ireland. Fabien Galthie's team destroyed Italy with star scrum-half Antoine Dupont and full-back Leo Barre,