France too hot to handle for Scots

France were far too strong for Scotland in the opening womens rugby 6 Nations game winning 53-3 on Friday night.

France, with seven uncapped players in their squad, raced into an early lead with three tries inside the first quarter.

Elodie Poublan crossed on five occasions as les Bleus showed their dominance despite naming a starting line-up containing seven debutants at Viry-Chatillon.

Dioni Aguerre scored twice with Laurelin Fourcade and a penalty try completing the rout as France raced to their highest international tally for ten years.

Locks Katherine Muir and Charlie Veal's Scotland debuts took a turn for the worst as Nathalie Janvier's side hit the ground running, thundering in three unconverted tries in the opening 15 minutes.

Karen Findlay's team recollected themselves temporarily and struck back with a perfectly posted 40m penalty from Caroline Collie, collecting only her second cap for Scotland.

But as soon as France regained control, two more tries, both converted by Sandrine Agricole saw them open up a comfortable 34-3 lead at the interval.

Scotland enjoyed a period of pressure deep in their hosts' territory after the break but, after failing to make their possession count, France responded in emphatic style.

The visitors were left licking their wounds after three more tries and two conversions from Nadege Cazenave put the seal on a comprehensive French triumph.

She said: "We let in too many soft tries and our one-on-one tackling just wasn't good enough. The French back-line's accuracy in passing was much better and we need to get more clinical in our finishing.

"The second half, however, was night and day better and our fitness has definitely improved."

There were plenty of positives to take from the game, however, as Findlay praised the efforts of former Arsenal, Chelsea and Scotland footballer, Collie.

She said: "Caroline had a really good game and that penalty from 40m was really impressive. Lisa Martin (centre) and Katherine Muir also had good games.

"We're obviously disappointed with the result but now we need to take the positives, regroup and refocus."

Scotland:Collie, Victoria Blakebrough, Stephanie Johnston, Lisa Martin, Katy Green, Tanya Griffith, Louise Dalgliesh, Heather Lockhart, Alison MacDonald, Tracey Balmer, Katherine Muir, Rosalind Murph, Lindsay Wheeler, Ruth Slaven, Susie Brown (Richmond)

Substitutes: Lindsey Smith (for MacDonald, 60 mins), Beth Dickens (for Balmer, 65 mins), 19 Charlotte Veale (Wasps) (on for Murphy, 65 mins)20 Annabel Sergeant (Dundee University) (on for Johnston, 45 mins)21 Lauren Harris (Aberdeenshire Quines) (on for Blakebrough, 60 mins)22 Nicola Halfpenny (Melrose) (not used)

France:Carlone Ladagnous, Laurelin Fourcade, Sandrine Agricole, Elodie Poublan, Dioni Aguuerre, Audrey Parra, Marie-Alice Yahe, Helene Ezanno, Gaelle Mignot, Christelle Chobet, Sandra Rabier, Cyrielle Bousisset, Koumiba Djossouvi, Marie Charlotte Hebel, Aida Ba