Six Nations champions France has proven their quality to take down a much-improved Wallabies 48-33 at Stade de France.
The visitors seriously tested the French as they pushed them all the way, going into half-time level.
However, the class of the hosts’ backline, led by winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, proved the difference.
They took their chances when they presented amid some second-half ill-discipline from the Australians, running away with the win.
It came after the visitors started with a point to prove as Angus Bell sliced through the French defence inside the first minute.
It powered the Wallabies down the field, setting up fellow front-row Matt Faessler for the opener.
France hit back straight away through centre Nicolas Depoortère, but the Wallabies were intent on taking the hosts on as Harry Wilson nearly set up Nick Frost.
But it was Bell that delivered magic in his 50th, taking a Fraser McReight pop pass, beating two and sprinting away for an excellent solo try.
Thomas Ramos hit straight back for France before winger Bielle-Biarrey produced one of the tries of the year to give the hosts the lead.
The World Rugby Player of the Year nominee delighted the crowd with a world-class chip and chase, burning the cover defence for a sensational individual effort.
This failed to derail the visitors, whose relentless pressure resulted in a yellow card to scrum half Maxime Lucu for one too many inside their 22.
Faessler saluted for his double at the back of the rolling maul shortly afterwards to level the scores at 19-all heading into the break.
France took a slender lead to start the second half after a scrum penalty against an Australian scrum that had dominated early.
Depoortère's second was built on the advantage as the lethal French backline made their impact before Max Jorgensen answered Bielle-Biarrey’s special with a stunning long-range effort of his own.
It came off a Josh Nasser rip from inside their half, allowing Jorgensen to run 50 metres, put it on the toe and dive over to bring the margin to one point.
Ultimately, France’s pressure proved too much, and a string of Wallabies penalties proved their downfall.
Their rolling maul delivered double jeopardy as Julien Marchand dived over for the try, with Tom Hooper off for ten after four straight inside the 22.
As the sleet/snow came down, Australia had their chances from close, with Rob Valetini over the line but without the ball.
In the end, costly mistakes were punished as Bielle-Biarrey’s second sealed the win.
Josh Nasser got a late consolation try for his first in gold, but Maxime Lamothe’s effort sealed the win for the Six Nations champions.
Source: rugby.com.au
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