Vern Cotter has defended Scotland's decision to shun a penalty kick which would have secured a draw in their Rugby World Cup warm-up match against France.

Scotland were awarded a late penalty in front of the posts but elected to kick to touch in an attempt to win the match. The decision backfired as France won 19-16.

"The boys wanted to get the win. It's been a few years since we had one [in Paris]. They wanted to get over the line and created several line-breaks," Cotter told reporters.

"It was a good attitude to take. It was a game where we were testing ourselves.

"It's the players' decision and I completely back it."

Scotland kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Japan on September 23.