Both nations headed into the contest with a victory and defeat from their opening two matches at the tournament, with only the victors in the contest joining group winners The Netherlands at the Games.

With qualification at stake, it was no surprise that the two teams began the game cautiously, with the host nation edging into a 5-3 advantage at the midpoint of the first half.

France were eventually able to take a firm a grip of the match, after a strong spell in the closing stages of the half gave them an 11-7 advantage at the interval.

They were able to preserve their lead throughout the duration of the second half, with the French captain Siraba Dembele sealing her team’s progression by scoring their final goal in a 25-17 victory.

World Championship silver medallists The Netherlands had sealed top spot in the four-team group earlier in the day.

The Dutch team, who had already qualified, scored freely to claim a 46-20 win over Tunisia, to end the tournament with a 100 per cent record.

Russia's women were able to replicate that feat by rounding off their qualification event with a 37-29 win over Sweden in Astrakhan.

Both teams had already secured safe passage to Rio 2016, but the Russians were able to claim a morale boosting win in front of their home fans to top the group.

After the disappointment of failing to reach the Games, Poland were able to restore pride by earning a win in their final match of the tournament.

The Polish team, who finished fourth at last year’s World Championships, brushed aside Mexico 36-14.

Romania eventually ended top of the standings in the final qualification event on goal difference, after they secured a thrilling 23-23 draw with fellow Rio 2016 qualifiers Montenegro.

After missing out on the Olympics, Denmark gave their home fans in Aarhus something to cheer as they defeated Uruguay 38-17 in their closing match.

Following the completion of the tournaments, the 12 teams who will contest the Rio 2016 women’s competition have now been decided, with world champions Norway bidding to defend their Olympic crown.

Angola, Argentina, Spain and South Korea booked their spots through continental tournaments, while Brazil were already assured of a place as the host nation.