Women’s Six Nations: 11-try France beats Scotland to set up England decider

The Scots looked to bounce back from heavy defeats to England and Italy but made a nightmare start, spilling the ball straight from kick-off and France made them pay when Felleau dived over with barely 50 seconds on the clock.

The home side survived another attack with a turnover on their own line which allowed Rona Lloyd to break free and get Scotland up the pitch.

From there they built the pressure and Phillips powered his way over the line in his first Test start. Helen Nelson converted to give Scotland the lead.

Despite France going down to 14 men with Sin-Bine Feliu sent off, Scotland’s lead lasted two minutes as Arbez dinked a clever kick over the defense and gathered himself to get in under the sticks.

The French began to show strength and blasted Soketa from close range to put the visitors in control at 19-7.

After competing well for the opening half hour, the Scottish defense began to look a little haphazard and the number eight champions were allowed to tie the bonus point for France at their fourth try.

In the absence of the injured Emma Orr, Phillips was seizing her opportunity with both hands and cut another superb line for her second try.

Due to their horrendous injury list and the relative inexperience of the team, Scotland were competing well but suffered a right punch at half-time as Champon broke free again to grab his second try.

France started the second half as they had in the first, striking early with some neat passing and sending full-back Barratt into the corner.

The visitors were hungry for more and although Scotland defended their line stoutly, the dam finally burst for Soketa to score his second try of the afternoon, France’s seventh of the game.

The Scots were tiring, looking gaping and substitute Chambon peeled off the base of a maul to find his way to the line and bring up 50 points.

The French were going through the gears and Murray broke away for a superb individual try.

In a rare foray into the French half, the Scots showed some resistance as substitute Cowbro forced his way over for the home side’s third try of the afternoon, before Deshayes responded instantly.

Substitute Sutcliffe made his international debut to try to ensure the Scots took something from the game, but Mwembe had the final say as the French made it four to four in emphatic style.