The result means they are now top of Pool A, having won three on the trot with the next fixture against Italy on October 6.

The win today had 14 tries and beat their previous biggest score at the World Cup of 87-10, also against Namibia, during the 2007 edition.

Damian Penaud was the star of the show today, bagging a hat-trick while Jonathan Danty, Charles Ollivon and Louis Bielle-Biarry all scored two times.

Their only blow of the night came when captain Antoine Dupont had to leave with a head injury following a reckless challenge from Namibian counterpart Johan Deysel, who was sent off in the second half.

It was bizarre that Fabien Galthie chose to keep his skipper on the field despite having a massive advantage.

"Antoine got a big hit on his face and we will do some exams to make sure nothing is wrong with him, but he is a strong guy and we can rely on his strength," said France general team manager, Raphaël Ibañez, to ITV Sport.

"We feel sorry for Antoine.

"It just reminds us how dangerous it can be with a head-to-head contact."

Penaud hit the ground running for Les Blues, catching a Dupont kick to score after seven minutes

Danty followed and Ollivon fot the third, after a sensational handling move down the right wing.

France were so impressive that they took a 54-0 lead at half time with Penaud and Danty getting their second before Thibaud Flament, Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey made it eight.

However, they were ruthless after the break, sending a real message to the rest of the teams.