France women kicked off their autumn with a convincing victory over South Africa as they ran in seven tries in a 46-3 success in Vannes.
Emeline Gros went over twice in the first half, with Safi N’Diaye adding a try in each half for Les Bleues.
Laure Sansus, Caroline Boujard and debutant Mélissande Llorens were the other try-scorers for the 2021 Women’s Six Nations runners-up in a game where five players got their first test of representing Les Bleues.
And with successive matches against the reigning world champions New Zealand coming up, it was a commanding success for France women.
They started very strongly with Gros going over for her first try after just eight minutes, with Caroline Drouin converting to add to an earlier penalty.
Gros was in again on just after the quarter-hour with scrum-half Sansus adding the third as France led 22-0 after just 25 minutes.
N’Diaye added a fourth try just before half-time, and was at it again shortly after the break to stretch France’s lead to 34-0.
Then Boujard, so prolific during the Six Nations, scored the sixth just after the hour, followed by debutant Llorens seven minutes from time, Morgane Peyronnet taking over the kicking duties.
South Africa did have the final say, Jakkie Cilliers knocking over a late penalty, but it was a strong start to the autumn for France.
