The Eagles led by four points at half-time but could not quite hold out against the RBS 6 Nations champions, succumbing 39-31 at Rentschler Stadium in Hartford, Connecticut.

Despite the defeat though, Billups was cheered by the performance of his troops who lost to the same opponents 41-14 in last years World Cup.

We proved that we can go punch for punch with an international heavyweight, he said. I thought our backs were especially powerful and decisive in attack and defence.

The lead changed six times during the match but France finished the stronger of the two and second-half tries from Matthieu Barrau, Thomas Lievremont and Pieter Devilliers secured the win for Les Bleus.

However, France coach Bernard Laporte admits there is still plenty to work on for his side who trailed 21-17 at the break.

We managed to pull together our offence, but not so much our defence, Laporte said.

France fly-half Alexandre Peclier contributed 14 points on his debut while Patrick Tabacco and Ludovic Valbon were also amongst the tryscorers.

The Eagles, for whom veteran lock Dave Hodges was playing his final match, saw Shaun Paga, Jovesa Naivalu, Riaan Van Zyl and Fifita Mo'unga all score tries while Mike Hercus collected an 11-point haul from a try and three conversions.