France terrorise Italy with commanding 50-10 win

France initiated their 2021 Six Nations campaign with a dream start after coming out firing in Rome as they put their Italian rivals to the sword 50-10 for a five-point haul, putting them top of the log ahead of the brave Scots.

Les Bleus dotted down three times in the first half courtesy of Dylan Cretin, Gael Fickou and Arthur Vincent before running in another four tries in the second half to stamp their authority on a game their opponents had no say in.

French boss Fabien Galthie was in a mood of satisfaction at the conclusion of proceedings.

“We have the feeling of having prepared well,” he said. “It’s always special to prepare for a match under these conditions,” Galthie told French television after the game.

“We will continue to play for those who cannot do it at the moment and the children [at home]… Thanks to all these supporters, we are trying to do beautiful things and bring them joy.

“It was our 10th game together as a group, an important game for us away from home.”

France led in both the possession and territory stats with 61% in each. While tougher opposition awaits, it is clear that they will, once again, be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament.

“We scored seven tries, we were efficient. Now we’re going to have a good week to prepare for the game against Ireland. It’s good that we were able to bring on all of our finishers,” the French boss said.

“We have a good dynamic and we continue to build it. Now we’re going to Marcoussis and it’s a good transition for Dublin.”