Scotland 28-69 France: The French demolish Scots to set up grand finale

Scotland ………..28pts

Tries: Philipps 16, 35; Coubrough 68, Sutcliffe 78 Conversions: Nelson 17, 36, 69, 79

France…………….69pts

Tries: Feleu 1, Arbez 19, Soqeta 27, 57; Champon 31, 40; Barrat 42, Chambon 61, Murie 63, Deshaye 71, Mwayembe 81 Conversions: Arbez 20, 28, 32; Chambon 58; Queyroi 62, 72, 82

The visitors needed a bonus-point win to keep their Slam hopes alive and wasted little time taking control, with Manae Feleu crashing over inside the opening minute after Scotland spilled the kick-off.

Scotland responded impressively through Rachel Philipps, who marked her first Test start with two powerful first-half tries.

However, France’s power and attacking precision gradually overwhelmed the injury-hit Scots. Carla Arbez restored control with a clever chip-and-chase score before

Siobhan Soqeta and Lea Champon crossed to secure the four-try bonus point inside the opening half-hour.

Champon added a second just before the interval to hand the visitors a commanding 31-14 lead.

Second half

France picked up where they left off after the break as Pauline Barrat finished in the corner before Soqeta powered over for her second.

The floodgates then opened with Alexandra Chambon, Lea Murie and Annaelle Deshayes all crossing as Scotland’s defensive resistance faded under relentless pressure.

Scotland continued to fight and claimed a four-try bonus point of their own.

Emily Coubrough burrowed over from close range before debutant Aicha Sutcliffe marked her first international appearance with a late score.

But France had the final say as prop Ambre Mwayembe crossed for the 11th try of a devastating attacking display.