The Wallabies played out their first scoreless half in 52 years before grinding their way to a series-clinching 6-0 victory over France on Saturday night.
Australia were given a massive fright by the underdogs who attacked relentlessly in a gripping final three minutes but the home side survived at Etihad Stadium for a sixth straight win.
Thumped 50-23 last week in Brisbane, Les Bleus brought their passion and muscle to threaten a 24-year drought-breaking victory Down Under.
Only their famed flair was lacking, but so too was the Wallabies’ attacking precision.
After crossing for 23 tries in their previous five victories, they were forced to rely on penalty goals to secure their best winning streak in nine years.
It wasn’t the sort of advertisement the Australian Rugby Union wanted for the code in Melbourne with a small crowd of 27,189 looking for tries rather than the raking drop punts they can see in the AFL.
The Socceroos scored more points in the first half of their opening World Cup loss to Chile as the French brought the resistance everyone was expecting at Etihad Stadium.
But it was a victory for the Wallabies’ muscle and composure in the face of a renowned Les Bleus revenge mission.
In contrast to the first half when they failed to get inside the French 22, Australia camped out in France’s territory after the break and turned the screws.
Flyhalf Bernard Foley put the first points on the board in the 53rd minute following a penalty at the breakdown, while halves partner Nic White put them six ahead 11 minutes later.
White could have ensured coach Ewen McKenzie breathed easier but missed three penalty attempts in the second half.
France were also kicking themselves by missing two of their three-point chances in a first-half arm wrestle.
Not since the Wallabies were beaten 19-0 in Paris in 1958 have both nations kept each other scoreless at halftime.
The last time Australia played a pointless first half was against the 1962 All Blacks.
The Wallabies chose not to chance their arm in their own territory against the full-strength French, bolstered by 10 changes.
Les Bleus’ defence, breakdown effort and general intensity were much improved on their first Test effort when they were torn apart in a seven-try blitz.
It was their lack of precision in attack, goalkicking and the set-piece that prevented them building an early lead.
Dangerous fullback Brice Dulin and halfback Morgan Parra both missed penalty attempts while flanker Yannick Nyanga botched a try-scoring chance by failing to pick up his chargedown on Matt Toomua.
The Wallabies’ limited attack was little better, never working their way into the French 22, and vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper unsurprisingly rued “poor decisions” at the break.
Mike
Guest
Yes, a real achievement. Wallabies should concentrate on putting French away 3-0. Its as good a start as they can get for TRC.
Chivas
Guest
I agree with you Cad. I am not convinced of Hooper being a captain. It demonstrates to me that this side is still very unsettled and lacking in experience or smarts.
Mike
Guest
You didn't watch a single game under Deans, did you? Sorry for showing you up, but this sort of ignorance is getting tiresome.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Boz
Guest
Without Genia and Cooper we are very short on somebody who can pose an attacking threat from the inside backs. White, Foley and Toomua are solid players but they are clearly quite one dimensional. After two games it is clear that Beale is definitely a more dynamic attacking player than Foley or Toomua. As Toomua is the right fit for the hard running, tough tackling number 12 that we need, I reckon that link should be running Beale on at number 10 and leaving Foley on the bench. That isn't to say that Foley isn't a good player but we can't afford to leave brilliance to the last 20 minutes on the bench to make way for competence, especially when we play the All Blacks.
Storm Boy
Guest
Disappointed Ch 9 news tonight in Sydney had no mention at all of the Wallabies game last night. The Australian women's hockey game got coverage. So did the Giants win in Brisbane last night. Even the Swans recovery session and talk of next week's game got a run. Ordinary from CH 9. ok they don't have rights to the rugby but they don't have it to the AFL either. The Swans are on almost every night on Ch 9 news in Sydney. Radio 2GB news is letting the Wallabies down too with no mention this morning of the result.
Max Power
Guest
The second one was on Simmons and it was because his lifters, Horwill and Fardy I think, basically threw him into the French player.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
+ 1
jeznez
Roar Guru
One of those was on Fardy, was he other one as well?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Definitely hoping Sio is on the bench next week, think the scrum dominance could have lifted further had he been there over Cowan. That is the big positive which isn't getting much play. The Aussie scrum went well, they had to work for it but finished over the top of the French scrum. Kepu in particular can take a bow.
Jerry
Guest
1994 - won 2 from 6, 1986 won 3 from 6.
Don
Roar Rookie
He definitely played yesterday Brett. Came on and played the second half and didn't seem to limp at all. Made it to all the rucks and even stuck his head in a few. Amazingly, he didn't box kick once. Very surprised to read now that he needs surgery.
Rebel
Guest
1998?
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Hey it's the year before the world up. Normally the AB's are close to invincible the year before the world cup.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
He's gotta get over that habit of giving away a penalty or two each game at the line-out for playing the man in the air. Although it's a fine line between playing the man and ball sometimes in line-outs.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Cooper also has the ability to some incredibly good things under pressure.
Tigranes
Guest
What did deans manage to do...apart from gifting a World Cup, bledisloe cup and lions series to the opposition
Mango Jack
Guest
Whose Wallabies? Oh, that's right, they are the QANTAS Wallabies. Nice to have our national team inextricably associated with a corporate financial basket case. I suppose it pays the bills. For the moment, anyway. No doubt we will soon be cheering the ETIHAD Wallabies or some such.
Mango Jack
Guest
QC also has an unrivaled ability to do stupid things under pressure.
Ohtanis Jackets
Guest
Disappointing the All Blacks didn't put 20 points on them in the WC final.