France extended their perfect record against Italy with a 25-13 win on Sunday that kept alive their slim chances of retaining the Six Nations title.
France, who bounced back from a defeat by England on the same Stade de France pitch two weeks ago, will now try to ruin Wales’s Grand Slam hopes next Saturday in Cardiff.
Wales would have been crowned champions had France lost to Italy, but are still ideally placed to win the title and could take it even with a defeat because they have a superior points difference to the French.
France, who recorded their ninth victory from as many Six Nations encounters with Italy, scored three tries by fullback Anthony Floch, centre Yannick Jauzion and wing Aurelien Rougerie, and collected 10 points from the boot of scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili.
Italy, who fought bravely and trailed their hosts 13-6 at the break, had to be content with a second-half try from prop Martin Castrogiovanni and eight points from fullback Andrea Marcato. — Reuters