The more experienced French women’s side posted 20 tries to beat Serbia 116-0 in Avignon in the first meeting of the nations. Centres Laureanne Biville with four touchdowns and Cloe Gullierot who claimed a hat trick led the way, while Mahault Pommier kicked 18 goals. The hosts led 52-0 at the break and maintained their total dominance after the interval.

“I am very happy with the performance,” said French head coach Romain Maillot in his first game in charge. “The game plan was to be focused on us because it is a new team and we got a great response. We now face England in over a month and that will be a very big test for us, but we are looking forward to going into camp to prepare for it.”

Marija Maslakovic, the Serbian women’s captain and in charge of the development of the women’s game in the country, commented: “We were very excited about playing such a strong nation and it was a great experience for everyone because we know now what we need to do to be better. It will help us going into the World Cup qualifiers next year and my hopes remain great.”