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LYON To excitement of the home crowd, France confirmed their status as Rugby World Cup favourites, advancing to quarter-finals with a confident and convincing victory over Italy 60-7. This resounding victory saw Les Bleus move into top spot in Group A, ahead of All Blacks, who had edged Uruguay at the same stadium night before. English referee Karl Dickson came under great criticism on social media for some of his decisions, especially for rejecting Italy's first-half try. But it was one-way traffic as France's stylish backline once again hummed behind a dominant forward group. While winger Damian Penaud continued his scoring attempts with his double shot, Yoram Moefana came off the bench and got himself a brace. Penaud has scored in seven consecutive Tests and is now the tournament's top scorer with six, ahead of England's Henry Arundell, Scotland's Darcy Graham and New Zealand's Damian McKenzie . READ 'Blame myself' Eddie reveals World Cup regret READ NRL stars remain in Eddie's Wallabies rebuilding plan READ All Blacks key to RWC quarter-final in doubt France and New Zealand will watch Sunday's blockbuster Ireland-Scotland in Paris to find out the identity of their quarter-final opponents. France has never won the World Cup, losing in three finals . It's the first time they've reached the top of their pool since 2003. Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington preview exciting final round of pool play to decide the quarter-finalists at Rugby World Cup in France "First step done," said man of the match Gregory Alldritt. "We will enjoy the weekend because today was a tough match. We will recover this weekend and then prepare for the quarter-finals. Frenchman Damian Penaud scored his team's fourth try. Meanwhile, Italy also have a lot to think about after their 96-17 defeat to New Zealand the previous week. “You just have to listen to the support they are getting,” coach Kieran Crowley said. We gave away too many penalties early on and then we didn't get any momentum because our analysis work wasn't good enough. The commentary sometimes left a little to be desired, but that's the way it was. “They were too physical and too strong for us.” Former All Blacks full-back Crowley is done with Italy after not being offered a contract extension. Former Argentinian star Gonzalo Quesada will take over the coaching role. Frenchman Thomas Ramos scores his team's third try. "These kids would die for you," Crowley said. "They're very proud. Hopefully from now on they start to be treated with a bit more respect. In the next World Cup cycle a lot of players will get 50 or 60 Test matches, which is good." France scored the first of eight tries in less than two minutes in a hugely impressive performance. The 60 points equaled their highest score against Italy in 1967 and was their biggest margin ever. Just eight months earlier, France had won 29-24 in the Six Nations. Of course, Penaud scored the first try from the wing. Following a