France unlucky against Australia

11:15pm - By COLIN KENNEDY

France took the Wallabies to the wire at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday night and were unlucky not to come away with a win in going down 31-25.

Both sides were at a standstill when the final whistle went, with France just metres from an upset away win.

The match produced some superb running rugby from both sides with the French forwards outclassing Australia in the scrums, but a resolute Wallaby defence made all the difference.

In the first half France seemed to be letting it slip away when Australia leapt to a 13-0 lead. However a superb try from Aurelien Rougerie and the sending off of Owen Finegan for a late shoulder charge from behind on Serge Betsen swung the tide in France's favour.

A penalty from Gerald Merceron put the halftime score at 13-8.

France pushed into the lead with another Merceron penalty and a wonderful try from Sylvain Marconnet.

The second half produced some fine running rugby from both sides as the lead changed hands and the French refused to die until the very end.

Australia 31 (Tries: Stirling Mortlock 2, Matt Burke, Daniel Herbert. Kicks: Burke penalty, Mortlock penalty and conversion and George Gregan drop goal).

France 25 (Tries: Aurelien Rougerie 2, Sylvain Marconnet. Kicks: Gerald Merceron penalties 2; conversions 2).