France in control in Rome

Italy 10 France 24

France kept themselves in with a chance of retaining their RBS 6 Nations title after establishing a 14-point lead over Italy at the midway point of the match.

Needing a landslide victory over the Italians and then hoping Ireland defeat Grand Slam-chasing Wales in Cardiff, France scored three well-worked tries in the first half.

Diminutive winger Christophe Dominici was involved in both the first two scores, making decisive breaks before setting up flanker Yannick Nyanga and centre Yannick Jauzion for tries.

Italy pulled a try back when winger Kaine Robertson intercepted a Yann Delaigue pass on the halfway line, but France finshed the half strongly to claim a third try through full-back Julien Laharrague.