Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored a try in a tournament record eighth consecutive six Nations match as champions France held off a spirited Italy 33-8 in Lille on Sunday.

Try-machine Bielle-Biarrey struck inside three minutes for his 24th try in 25 Test matches for France.

Les Bleus looked set to run away with the victory after further scores from man-of-the-match Emmanuel Meafou and Thomas Ramos but the Azzurri hit back with an Ange Capuozzo try.

But wing Gael Drean's debut try after Italy winger Louis Lynagh had been yellow-carded, and another from Emilien Gailleton put the gloss on France's victory and kept them on course for the Grand Slam.

France went back to the top of the Six Nations table after Scotland had replaced them with a comeback 26-23 win over Wales on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie's team maintained the only unbeaten record in the tournament so far this season, but ever-improving Italy once again impressed, although it could have been much better for Gonzalo Quesada's team if their line-out had not faltered repeatedly.

The final score was harsh on Italy, who remain fifth in the table. (AFP)



Edited by Cecil Wong