France accounted for a determined Scottish outfit 36-18 in their opening Rugby League World Cup match at Canberra Stadium.

With 12 players from Super League's Catalans outfit, the Tricolores showed more class and skill than their less fancied opponents.

Five-eighth Thomas Bosc led France effectively and with the occasional show of attacking flair but the foundation was laid by the strong running of forward Adel Fellous.

French fullback Jared Taylor scored the first try of the match when he was on the supporting end of a bustling 40 metre line break from Adel Fellous in the 16th minute.

Catalans star Bosc converted and the semi-final hopefuls were away.

Three minutes later Scotland struck back via a slick backline movement that ended with a try in the corner for Jonathan Steel.

But the first half was dominated by dropped ball, ill-disciplined tackling and strong running forwards with some big hits from both sides.

The Bravehearts came out a different side in the second half with prop Oliver Wilkes grabbing a try in the 46th minute to bring the difference back to a converted try.

Scotland were denied an opportunity to tie the game up at 24-all in the 66th minute when video referee Phil Cooley opted not to award a try to five-eighth John Duffy.

It didn't matter in the end with France's Jerome Guisset and Christophe Moly both scoring tries in the final ten minutes to run away with the win.

It was the opening match of Pool 2, which also includes Fiji.

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