On the back of an impressive 53-3 victory over Scotland in France, Les Bleues got off to a strong start with fly-half Sandrine Agricole knocking over an early penalty.

Agricole added a second penalty midway through the first half but Munster winger Niamh Kavanagh grabbed the first try immediately after.

Centre Lynne Cantwell outpaced the French defence to send Kavanagh over but a missed conversion allowed France to lead 6-5 at the break.

The visitors flew out of the blocks in the second half but were unable to convert their pressure into points with Caroline Ladagnous stopped inches from the line.

The French domination eventually told though, as Perpignan prop Chobet went over in the final quarter, and an Aurélie Bailon penalty six minutes from time looked to have sealed the win.

And although Niamh Briggs scored a try right at the death to give the visitors a real scare, France held on for a close win.