Women's Six Nations: France maintain Grand Slam pace by swatting aside Italy for bonus-point win

France sealed a third win from three in the Women's Six Nations, dismantling Italy in the first half of a 38-15 victory.

Les Bleus scored six tries at Stade Jean-Bouin en route to cementing second spot in the table, trailing fellow Grand Slam contenders England having taken one bonus point fewer.

A win on Sunday was needed for France to stay in touch with the leaders, who crushed Scotland 46-0 on Saturday to retain their perfect start. An unlikely triumph for Italy would have taken them third, above Ireland, who beat Wales yesterday.

Nassira Konde opened the scoring for the French side after just nine minutes, before Lina Queyroi converted. Just past the halfway mark in the first period, Beatrice Rigoni scored a penalty to cut the deficit to four points.

Bordeaux’s Annaelle Deshayes then hit back for France with a blistering attack from the wing to add the second try, and Queyroi was on hand to convert once more.

There was a third try just a couple of minutes before the end of the first 40 when France regained possession behind Italy’s 22 metre line, with Queyroi spotting Melissande Llorens free on the left wing, touching down for a try that went unconverted.

Another Bordeaux player, Assia Khalfaoui, had a try awarded after a video check, with Queyroi needing the help of the post for her conversion.

Alyssa D'Inca pulled one back for Italy just before the hour mark as she touched down between the posts after good work from the forwards, with Rigoni adding a further two points.

Madoussou Fall's converted try gave France a 38-10 lead going into the last quarter of an hour, before Italy produced a further consolation. D'Inca showed impressive pace while shrugging off one tackle to break down the left and score.

The final whistle was a significant one for referee Joy Neville - who made history last year by becoming the first woman to officiate a men's World Cup final - as she blew time on her career.

France will travel to bottom-placed Wales in the last game of next weekend, after Italy host Scotland and England entertain Ireland on Saturday. If both of the top two win, they'll face off in a Grand Slam showdown in the final round.

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