England were ahead through an early try from lock Sarah Vickers but France replied with a try and a penalty to lead 8-5 at half-time.

Fly-half Susie Appleby put England back in front with a try after 57 minutes.

But the visitors scored from a strong scrum in the 13th minute of injury time France to snatch victory.

"We didn't perform the way we wanted to," said England head coach Geoff Richards.

"We really lost the game in the first half when we didn't get to grips with the game, there were too many basic errors and France were the better team on the day.

"It's just a shame we couldn't hang on for one last minute."

England team: Sue Day (Wasps), Charlotte Barras (Lichfield), Michaela Staniford (Thirsk), Paula George (Wasps), Kim Shaylor (Worcester), Susie Appleby (Clifton), Jo Yapp (Worcester - capt); Rochelle Clarke (Henley), Selina Rudge (Wasps), Vanessa Gray (Wasps), Jenny Sutton (Richmond), Rachel Vickers (Richmond), Shannon Baker (Clifton), Helen Clayton (Saracens), Catherine Spencer (Worcester).
Replacements: Ann O'Flynn (Army), Vanessa Huxford (Wasps), Karen Jones (Wasps), Margaret Alphonsie (Saracens), Amy Turner (Wasps), Karen Andrew (Saracens), Emily Cooke (Clifton)