France centre Benoit Baby has been handed a four-week ban for head-butting Brian O'Driscoll in last Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

Baby (21), is sidelined from rugby until April 14th, which rules him out of Toulouse's European Cup quarter-final with Northampton on April 1st.

France captain Fabien Pelous refuses to give up hope his side can overcome the odds and retain their Six Nations crown this weekend. Winners of the Grand Slam last year, Bernard Laporte's side travel to Rome on Saturday to complete their tournament programme.

"Finishing in the top place? We both believe in it and we don't at the same time," he said. "What counts the most after all is how we play. If we feel we have a chance we will take it, but Italy will be tough opponents, I am sure. They have gradually improved each year, they are developing their game."