Last year's runners-up had Aida Ba, Chloe Pelle, Jessy Tremouliere, Caroline Lagagnous and Charlotte Marie Hebel to thank for steering them to an opening weekend success, with Bailon kicking the extras.

France, who have not won the RBS 6 Nations since recording back-to-back triumphs in 2004-05, withstood an improved second-half performance from the visitors in minus seven degrees temperatures in Riom.

Before kick-off, organisers had spent hours sweeping snow off the field, allowing the home side to grab second spot in the table with England in their sights.

Italy will hope to defeat England at home on Sunday to improve on their fifth position, and their coach Domenico Di believes they should be able to do so.

"I think the start of the tournament is always difficult for us, we have to get reacquainted with a way of playing that is always at full production," he said.

"I made some changes in the second half and we started to play the ball and went close to two goals."

France will now host Ireland on Saturday, with the Irish seeking their first win after their home clash with Wales was abandoned at half-time due to a frozen pitch.