Trailing 10-3 at half-time, Selponi's kick and chase try - converted by Yohan Domenech - and his 64th-minute drop goal handed France the victory despite a late Scotland onslaught.

It saw France end on a positive note having followed up and opening victory over Italy with defeats to Wales, England and Ireland while for Scotland, it was a second straight loss and a third in total.

France began the brighter and took the lead after just six minutes - scrum-half Baptiste Serin on target with a penalty after an infringement at the ruck from the Scots.

And the hosts continued to build early momentum with Scotland relying on a try-saving tackle and a turnover from lock Adam Sinclair to keep France at bay.

France came again through dangerous winger Teddy Thomas but this time it was opposite number Rory Hughes who averted the danger as Sean Lineen's side desperately held their hosts out.

But some strong forwards play from Scotland, first from captain Jonny Gray and then from Jamie Bhatti and Adam Ashe saw the visitors enjoy some territory of their own.

And after a powerful scrum, Scotland were handed the chance to level things up on 20 minutes, Tommy Allan making no mistake from the tee.

That stirred Scotland into life and after a fine counter-attack, started by Mark Bennett who was well supported by Robbie Fergusson and Hughes, the visitors worked the ball to Ashe who scored a fine try to give Scotland an 8-3 lead on 25 minutes.

Allan was on target with the conversion before the dangerous Bennett made another break as Scotland exerted some dominance on the game.

Fly-half Allan then saw a penalty effort from 45 drop short, ensuring the Scots led 10-3 at the half-time interval.

After the break, France carried the fight to Scotland and full-back Ruaridh Young had to be alert to sweep up a grubber kick before Allan cleared.

But back came Scotland and again it was Glasgow Warriors centre Bennett with the line break, alleviating the pressure on the visitors.

France made their possession count on 60 minutes however when Etienne Dussartre was foiled by the Scottish defence, only for home fly-half Selponi to kick and chase, gather and dot down.

Replacement Domenech nailed the conversion to level the scores at 10-10 and the French, with their tails up, took the lead soon after when Selponi struck a fine drop goal on 64 minutes.

Scotland huffed and puffed to get a way back into the match with Bennett again to the fore but despite all their endeavour, France held firm to finish their campaign with a victory.

Scotland remain in fourth place however, courtesy of their superior points difference, with France joining them on four points but ending up in fifth.