France moved clear at the top of the Six Nations table and kept their grand slam ambitions on track with a hard-fought win against Italy in Lille on Sunday. The hosts survived a spirited Italian performance to secure a bonus-point victory, their fourth win in four matches this tournament.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey opened the scoring with his eighth consecutive Six Nations try, latching onto Antoine Dupont's kick. Emmanuel Meafou powered over for his first France try after a 50-22 from Thomas Ramos. Italy responded through Ange Capuozzo and a Paolo Garbisi penalty, but France led 23-10 at halftime after Ramos finished a counter-attack set up by Émilien Gailleton.
In the second half, France struggled to break down a resilient Italy defence, spilling several chances. The bonus point was secured only after Louis Lynagh was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, with Gaël Dréan scoring on his debut from a Ramos cross-field kick. Dréan then set up Gailleton for a fifth try just before full time, giving the scoreline a deceptively comfortable look.
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada lamented his side's lack of attacking possession and lineout struggles, noting they were down to 13 players when France scored their fourth try due to Capuozzo's shoulder injury. France coach Fabien Galthié praised Italy as 'tough and robust', highlighting the second-half pace as a new challenge for his team.
The win leaves France on course for a second grand slam under Galthié, but the performance suggested it may not be the formality it once seemed.
