Scotland, fresh from a narrow first-round defeat of Wales, went 5-3 up after hooker Ellis Martin scored a try six minutes before the break after France broke the deadlock at Edinburgh's Hive ground with a Lina Queyroi penalty.

It was an impressive effort by the Scots given they were thrashed 55-0 by France in last season's Women's Six Nations.

But the home side's rhythm was disrupted when Molly Wright, on as a replacement for Martin, was injured in a tackle just seconds after taking the field.

Following a lengthy delay for treatment, Wright was taken off the field.

France responded the better of the two teams to the stoppage, with experienced No. 8 Romane Menager sending in wing Kelly Arbey for a 53rd-minute try.

In a match of missed goal-kicks, France finished strongly with Emeline Gros crossing for a try in stoppage time that denied Scotland a losing bonus point as Les Bleues followed up their 38-17 victory over Ireland with another win.

Reigning champions England face Wales in Saturday's other game with Ireland hosting Italy on Sunday.