Turinui’s brace inspires Wallabies to victory over fighting French

Australia 37 France 31

Les Bleus, playing their last match on a short end-of-season tour, were expected by some to play right into Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ hands.

But France did come to play after last week’s disappointing loss to South Africa, delighting the 50,000 crowd with their flair and skill.

The Wallabies may have won by six points but Jones will have a few concerns about the performance, none more so than the injuries suffered by captain George Gregan, who missed the entire second half, and centre Stirling Mortlock who pulled a hamstring after just 26 minutes, and both must be major doubts for next weeks clash.

After Australia took an early lead through a Matt Giteau penalty, it was the French who showed their skills with winger Cedric Heymans scoring an interception try after 14 minutes.

The Wallabies fought back into the fast-paced match and Stephen Larkham scored a 40m try, which Giteau converted to put Australia into a 10-5 lead.

Chris Latham scored Australia’s second try close to half-time to give his side a 15-7 lead.

Les Bleus responded quickly after the break and moved to within a point of the home side with a converted try by Julien Laharrague.

But then the fun and games started as first Australia got on top and then France hit back.

Tries by Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui and a brilliant interception five-pointer from hooker Jeemy Paul stretched the Wallabies’ lead to 30-14.

They looked home and hosed - but try mentioning that to the tough, uncompromising French.

First Damien Traille crossed the line for a try, which Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted to make the score 30-21.

Then Elissalde landed a penalty in the 76th minute.

But Turinui’s second try, converted by Mat Rogers, took the score to 37-24.

In the final minute, however, the never-say-die French scored their fourth converted try through Julien Candelon.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones said it wasn’t a convincing performance.

“I don’t think we played well... but I’m happy with the conviction and courage,” said Jones.