England beat France away from home for the first time in seven years to kick off the first of their autumn internationals with a 20-10 win.

Captain Sarah Hunter lead the way with both tries in an instrumental performance for the Red Roses.

It was the first of three matches for England in November, who will play the French again at Sandy Park in Exeter next week, before taking on Italy.

Both teams were locked at 3-3 until Hunter went over for her first try after 33 minutes following an excellent set piece at the line out by hooker Lark Davies.

The captain crashed over again a few minutes later and player of the year Emily Scarratt converted both tries to take their lead to 17-3.

A packed crowd at the Stade Marcel Michelin watched on as England's defence halted the French attack early on in the second half.

But the French continued to put England under pressure and Saracens' Marlie Packer was shown a yellow card shortly before the hour mark to leave the visitors a woman light.

It took France just five minutes to capitalise as Camille Boudaud scored a try to bring the hosts back into the match.

The French crowd erupted in celebration as a comeback looked on, but Scarratt slotted a penalty with ten minutes to go to secure the win.