France crush Italy in Six Nations mauling

France have crushed Italy 29-0 in the Six Nations courtesy of second-half tries from Yoann Maestri and Mathieu Bastareaud to ease the pressure on coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

France finished an error-ridden first half 9-0 in front on Sunday thanks to two penalties from Camille Lopez and another from Scott Spedding just before the break.

Lopez was forced from the field with an injury and replacement fly-half Jules Plisson slotted over another penalty two minutes after the break to stretch France’s lead.

Spedding set up the first try of the game three minutes later when the French fullback broke from his own 22-metre line, with second-row Maestri finishing off the move for his first international try.

Plisson kicked the resultant conversion and moved France 22 points clear with another penalty on 57 minutes.

Italy pushed forward in an effort to avoid finishing a Six Nations game without a point for the first time but never threatened the French line.

Bastareaud completed the rout when touching down beneath the posts in the last play of the game with Plisson converting comfortably.

The Six Nations concludes on March 21 with Ireland, England and Wales all locked on six points at the top of the table, followed by France on four points.

England face France in their final match holding a narrow four points scoring advantage over Ireland, who face Scotland at Murrayfield, while Wales take on Italy in Rome.

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