France displayed its trademark flair to outplay Italy 46-20 and stay firmly on course for a Grand Slam in the Six Nations Sunday. The home side ran in six tries, including two from centre David Marty, and earned 16 points from the reliable boot of scrumhalf Morgan Parra. Italy, which had recorded a rare win over Scotland in its previous outing, had to be content with two penalties from wing Mirco Bergamasco and late consolation tries from substitutes Carlo Del Fava and Pablo Canavosio, both converted by Bergamasco. France will chase its first victory in the championship since 2007 and its first Grand Slam since 2004 when it host sEngland on the Stade de France pitch next Saturday. Italy was dominated in most areas, notably the lineouts, and paid dearly for poor discipline while France relied on a deadly mix of power and skill to remain the only side undefeated in the tournament after four matches. Number eight Imanol Harinordoquy showed France the way, touching down between the posts from a fine pass by scrumhalf Morgan Parra five minutes into the game, played on a grey, windy afternoon on the outskirts of Paris. Italy was down to 14 men after center Gonzalo Garcia received a yellow card for a late tackle on wing Marc Andreu when France scored its next two tries, courtesy of Marty. The visitors trailed 22-0 after 25 minutes and did not get on the scoreboard until Bergamasco converted a penalty. France increased its lead early in the second half with a penalty by Parra. Bergamasco then scored one but France, whose only defeat to Italy was in 1997, remained in total control. Winger Andreu, winning his second cap and starting for the first time, then stormed through a static Italian defense after a neat combination by the French backs to add another try, putting France 32-6 up. The fans at Stade de France were soon treated to another moment of brilliance and a fifth try, by veteran center Yannick Jauzion. The conversion gave France a 39-6 lead on the hour-mark. After substitute flanker Alexandre Lapandry added a sixth try with a powerful run and Parra obliged with the conversion, France coach Marc Lievremont made a few changes to rest some players with the clash against England in mind. Reds crush Force Flyhalf Quade Cooper produced a superb individual performance to orchestrate the Queensland Reds' 50-10 victory over fellow Australian side the Western Force in their Super 14 match in Brisbane Sunday. –
