The Wallabies have gone down 29-26 in Paris to a physical French side at Stad de France on Saturday night. It is the first loss for new coach Michael Chieka in what was an ugly performance for an improving squad.
After almost scoring from the kick-off the Wallabies were dealt a huge blow as France were first on the scoreboard minutes later. James Horwill knocked-on 10 metres from the Australian line and the ensuing scrum saw French half-back Sebastien Tillous-Borde dive over the line for a 7-point lead.
The teams swapped penalty goals in what was a fast and physical opening 20 minutes. It was a young-gun French winger who broke the stalemate with a skilful run on the left wing, brushing by several Wallaby players on his way to a try that brought the stadium alive.
The Teddy Thomas’ try saw France out to a 17-6 lead after half an hour of play. The Wallabies had plenty of ball possession and were holding their own in the scrum.
Adam Ashley-Cooper finished a clever dummy play from fly-half Bernard Foley to score in the corner and bring the Wallabies to within 4-points. Foley converted a penalty right on half-time to keep the visitors in touch at 17-16.
Three silly penalties gifted the French 9 points in 5 minutes. The Wallabies struggled to find continuity in their play and continually dropped the ball whenever good field possession was gained.
Foley kicked perfectly (6/6) to keep the Wallabies within reach, but penalties at the scrum and ill-discipline had the French leading 29-19 with 8-minutes on the clock.
Les Bleus lost a man as Remi Tales tried to slow down the play at the breakdown. The Wallabies were finishing strong with big runs from Ashley-Cooper and Israel Folau.
Rob Simmons crashed over the line with three minutes to play and Foley converted to have the gold men within three points. The charge was left too late as France held on for a momentous home victory 29-26.
“We gave away penalties, we made mistakes and they built up,” commented a disappointed Michael Hooper. The Wallaby captain did not play his best and was visibly frustrated by his sides efforts at times.
Australia play Ireland next weekend in Dublin before wrapping up the Spring Tour with a match against England at Twickenham.
