France vs. Australia: Score and Report from Autumn Rugby International
France were brought close at times but never lost the lead against Australia on Saturday as they managed to eke out a 29-26 win over their guests from Down Under.
No matter how hard they tried to move out of reach, Philippe Saint-Andre's men couldn't open up the desired lead but were nonetheless vigilant in claiming a very valuable autumn win that will do no harm to morale.
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The hosts began the match in the ascendancy, and it took Sebastien Tillous-Borde only six minutes to dot down for the evening's first try following a wave of French pressure.
Australia weren't content to see Saint-Andre's men build on that lead and did manage to carve out chances of their own. However, a series of unforced mistakes had the visitors in a frustrated mood.
After 20 minutes, Bernard Foley's two penalties provided the Wallabies' only points, but Camille Lopez responded with one of his own to maintain a four-point lead for his team at 10-6.
It was at this juncture that the brilliance of Teddy Thomas came into play. Having bagged a debut hat-trick last Saturday against Fiji, the winger cut inside to jink his way over the line, Fox Sports confirming that Michael Hooper's best efforts to prevent the score were in vain:
Lopez would convert again to establish an 11-point lead for Les Bleus, but again Australia would hit back in good time, taking just five minutes to respond with an Adam Ashley-Cooper score of their own.
Playing in his 102nd Test, Michael Cheika's veteran utility latched on from the back of a line-out move in French territory, barreling his way over to once more bring the visitors within view of the leaders, as shown by Sky Sports Rugby:
Another Foley penalty made it a one-point game heading into half-time as observers were given their money's worth in terms of excitement, with Australia boasting the majority of momentum coming in at the break.
Matt Rowley of Green and Gold Rugby noted that there were exposed gaps Australia had missed in the first period, also alleging referee Nigel Owens had struggled to penalise France properly at the ruck:
The fine margins of the fixture would carry through to the second half as Lopez and Foley exchanged shots at goal. Australian centre Tevita Kuridrani persevered in looking to break down France's resolve in midfield but even his substantial physical assets couldn't pierce Saint-Andre's shield.
Despite Kuridrani's impressive forays, though, it was France who continued to enjoy more time with ball in hand, heading into the final phases of the fixture with a 29-19 lead.
Substitute scrum-half Rory Kockott struck the crucial penalty that would give France their 10-point margin, providing a safety cushion that forced Australia into chasing tries.
They finally got their desired score with just five minutes left on the clock as substitutes Quade Cooper and Will Genia hooked up with Israel Folau to put Rob Simmons in for a driven try.
The margin once again down to three, France were under pressure to keep their heads above water during the last exchanges but ran the clock down with a calm head to secure the tie.
After the Wallabies' victory over Wales last weekend, Saint-Andre will smile upon his side's unbeaten autumn run and their Saturday performance, but Cheika won't look kindly upon his side's mistakes.
The southern hemisphere tourists have little time to reset, either, and face a tough trip to Dublin next week while Les Bleus prepare for next Saturday's visit of Argentina.
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