Star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has celebrated his return as captain and his scoring touch was not even needed as eight-try France routed Japan 52-12 in Paris.

France hit a woeful Japan for eight tries in an emphatic 52-12 autumn series win on their Stade de France return on Saturday following last year’s World Cup on home soil, gearing up in style for next weekend’s clash with New Zealand.

Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Antoine Dupont set up two tries as France eased past Japan 52-12 in Paris on Saturday.

France captain Antoine Dupont assisted two tries in his return for Les Bleus, who dismantled Eddie Jones' Japan 52-12 at the Stade de France on Saturday.

France captain Antoine Dupont bagged two try assists in his return for Les Bleus, who dismantled Eddie Jones’ Japan 52-12 on Saturday. The hosts scored eight tries through Louis Bielle-Biarrey (2), Emilien Gailleton,