France scored three second-half tries in 10 minutes to beat Italy 30-10 in the Six Nations championship yesterday and maintain their perfect start to the competition.

Louis Picamoles, Wesley Fofana and debutant Hugo Bonneval all touched down between the 43rd and 53rd minutes as France sealed victory in spite of a dull, error-ridden first half at the Stade de France.

Jean-Marc Doussain kicked France ahead 9-3 at half-time, with Tommaso Allan scoring Italy’s points after both sides had wasted their first two attempts on goal.

The home team, who had made a strong start in their opening 26-24 victory over England, showed much more attacking intent after the break.

Picamoles surged from a maul to cross the line three minutes into the second half, Fofana ran down the right wing for the second and Bonneval finished off a splendid counter-attack to put France 30-3 up, with Doussain converting the three tries.

“We had to push for some attacks but the Italians were strong in defence. We had to adapt,” man of the match Fofana said.

Standings: Ireland, France 4; England, Wales 2; Italy, Scotland 0.