France maintained their flawless start to the Women's Six Nations with a commanding 38-15 bonus-point victory over Scotland, following an impressive second-half performance in La Rochelle.

The hosts seized early control at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, with Carla Arbez finishing off a break from number eight Teani Feleu for the opening converted try. Two penalties from Morgane Bourgeois further extended France’s advantage.

However, Scotland, buoyed by their narrow 24-21 victory over Wales in Edinburgh last weekend, fought back just before the interval. A handling error from France allowed Lisa Thomson to kick the ball forward, with Emma Orr chasing it down before nudging it over the line and grounding it. Helen Nelson added the conversion, reducing the deficit to 13-7 at half-time.

Bourgeois slotted another penalty early in the second half before scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus produced a stunning drop goal to extend France’s lead.

Nelson responded with a penalty for Scotland, but France soon put the match beyond doubt with two tries in three minutes either side of the hour mark. Feleu powered over on one flank before Seraphine Okemba crossed on the other, putting France 31-10 ahead.

With 12 minutes remaining, Bourgeois dived over to secure the all-important bonus point, converting her own try.

Scotland managed a late consolation in added time, driving over from a rolling maul off a lineout, with Elis Martin grounding the ball. However, Nelson’s conversion attempt struck the post, leaving the final score at 38-15 in France’s favour.

France remain firmly on course for the championship, while Scotland will look to regroup ahead of their next challenge.