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.

By the 66-minute mark Fabien Galthie's side stretched their lead to 52-12 as Boudehent crashed over twice and Japan's No 8 Tevita Tatafu crossed before Dupont was replaced, to be rested before a much bigger challenge of the All Blacks.

Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont returns to captain France when it begins its autumn test campaign against Japan at Stade de France on Saturday.

Antoine Dupont will skipper France in their first autumn series test against Japan on Saturday as the scrumhalf makes his comeback alongside Toulouse team mate Thomas Ramos after missing this year's Six Nations to focus on the Olympics.

France captain Antoine Dupont said on Friday he is "eager" to play for his country's 15-a-side team once again this weekend following his Olympics-enforced absence.