France have defeated Scotland in their opening game of the Six Nations championship with a 15-8 victory in Paris.

All of France's points came through penalties as they struggled at times to penetrate a strong Scottish defence.

Visiting wing Dougie Fife scored the game's only try on the stroke of half time, keeping the scores close at 9-8.

Greig Laidlaw failed to score the conversion for the visitors from a tight angle as Scotland missed the chance to go ahead.

However, France continued to press and added their final two penalties in the second half through Camille Lopez.

The hosts had the chance to score a try of their own as Yoan Huget had only one person to beat after a powerful run from the halfway line, only to be tackled by Scotland's last man Mark Bennett.

France saw out the remaining minutes to win their first fixture as Scotland lost their opener for a ninth straight year.