Cons: Foley 4
Pens: Foley 2
Pens: Foley 2
FRA: Tries: Guirado
Cons: MachenaudPens: Dulin, Machenaud
Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep against France in facile fashion at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, scoring five tries in recording their 11th consecutive home victory over Les Bleus. The victory, their seventh in succession, also marks the longest winning streak for an Australia side since 1999-2000 - when they were last world champions.
The Wallabies were untroubled by France after claiming an early lead through a penalty through Bernard Foley, slicing their opponents in front of a record 43,188-strong crowd with a combination of strength at the set-piece and breakdown, heavy defence and lightning attacks involving sublime interplay between the backs and the forwards.
Wycliff Palu was deservedly named man of the match for his strength with ball in hand and at the breakdown, but he must have been pressed hard for the award by Israel Folau, who scored another two tries and threatened the French line at will, and debutant Will Skelton.
The 140kg second-rower powered over for the opening try and showed wonderful skills in tight and with ball in hand, dishing a lovely short ball to put Folau into space to canter to the posts for his second try of the game.
Australia's Will Skelton scored a try during his barnstorming Test debut © Getty Images
Enlarge
Michael Hooper swan-dived over for a try in the 61st minute, after wonderful work from replacement centre Kurtley Beale, and reserve scrum-half Nick Phipps crossed for his first Test try inside the final five minutes.
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie enjoyed his 49th birthday present, but he still has plenty to consider about before he gets his players back in camp for their Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship preparations.
Execution in attack was poor at times, and there slip-ups at the set-piece, but the Wallabies played with intent and shape in their attack to suggest last week's tryless Test was an aberration.
No comments:
Post a Comment