The Wallabies have fallen to their first defeat under Michael Cheika, with the coach admitting surprise they got as close as they did in the 29-26 loss to a spirited France.
A new-look French side took some revenge for their 3-0 series loss in Australia in June with a deserved victory at a packed Stade de France on Saturday.
It ended the Wallabies’ hopes of a European clean sweep and showed they are still very much a work in progress after three games under the new coach.
The matched finished two tries apiece but the Wallabies were always chasing the game.
The tourists fought gamely and almost stole victory after a 74th-minute Rob Simmons try put them within three points but Cheika admitted it would have been unjust.
“I was pretty surprised we were in with a shot towards the end because the way we played probably shouldn’t have put us there,” Cheika said.
“It wasn’t pretty. I think that’s an apt way to describe it.
“Too many simple mistakes at key moments didn’t really give us any opportunity to get on the front foot.
“I think it wasn’t a good effort around the basics of the game.”
While much of the focus had centred on the scrum battle leading into the match in Paris, the Wallabies held their own up front for most of a feisty game that threatened to boil over at times.
Instead it was simple mistakes – in handling, set pieces and decision-making – that cost them.
Australia also struggled to penetrate an aggressive French defensive line as the hosts successfully shut down attacking weapons Israel Folau and Tevita Kuridrani.
Adam Ashley-Cooper and Simmons scored tries in each half, with five-eighth Bernard Foley’s 16-point haul, including four penalties, keeping the Wallabies in the fight.
Australia only trailed 17-16 at halftime, despite France dominating the first period.
After a Sekope Kepu charge down almost led to a try in the first minute it was all the hosts, with Sebastian Tillous-Borde scoring a soft opener in the sixth minute following a James Horwill knock-on.
The try of the match came in the 28th minute when 21-year-old France winger Teddy Thomas, fresh from a hat-trick on debut against Fiji last week, shrugged off five attempted Wallabies tackles to run around under the posts.
With France well on top, the Wallabies hit back on the back of an impressive drive, with Foley breaking the line and linking up cleverly with Ashley-Cooper, who scored his 30th Test try.
The sides traded penalties in the second half and Cheika injected a full set of substitutes, including veteran playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia.
With French substitute Remi Tales yellow carded, Cooper – playing in his first Test this year – helped spark some magic, delivering the ball to send Simmons in under the posts.
“I thought he did quite well when he was out there given the situation of the game,” Cheika said of Cooper’s contribution.
Australia were in France’s line in the dying moments but the comeback fell flat when Ben Alexander lost the ball, handing France a confidence-boosting first win over Australia since a 33-6 triumph at the same venue in 2012.
“It was important to show the world of rugby we can be competitive against the biggest teams in the world,” France coach Phillipe Saint-Andre said.
Browny
Roar Rookie
yeah, George Smith was useless until he got rid of his....
hooker
Guest
Is Hooper trying to look like the joker in bat man he gets these weird looks on his face too .I've noticed a trend most players with long hair or dreads are useless except nonu
expathack
Guest
He did actually try one grubber on Saturday, and gave a perfect demonstration of why it had been shelved in the first place.
WoobliesFan
Guest
Robbie for the win. Under Robbie we would have played what's in front of us and we would have successfully managed the try line.
Daz
Guest
The Wallabies have been a work in progress for the last ten years. Look at the empty seats. The fans are holding out less and less hope of seeing a finished product.
Rugby.ftw
Guest
Comeon. The only reason he got motm is cause he got that drop goal which put us in the lead. Dont get me wrong, it was a good drop goal. But apart from that he really didnt do much except kick 100%, which was good too. Kurindrani or izzy had far better games imo.
Daz
Guest
Nope it's just such a basic thing to do. Something you're taught to do from when you start playing. And if I'm a miserable sort then maybe that's what these guys need. Someone to kick their butts and get them back to basics.
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
AAC had one of his worst games for a long time, 2 crucial missed tackles in the first half, and shown that he lacks the speed of a genuine winger at this stage of his career.
krasnoff of noosa
Guest
When things get tight, weaknesses are exposed. Two things impacted on me from watching the game: First—loose carries; when you constantly practice running techniques you tend to fall into the habit of carrying the ball LOOSELY because importance is placed on the TECHNIQUE and not on the ball (Horwill is notorious for bobbling the ball out of possession); Second—once again at the critical time, in the dying seconds of the game, the pack gave up a penalty; the replacement props for the Wallabies ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH!
Browny
Roar Rookie
He'd be more combative than our current crop of second rowers seem to be; anyone remember his fend on Coetzee? Also why I think we need to give Jones a run, either at 6 or lock. At least give the kid a chance.
Browny
Roar Rookie
The injuries to Moore, TPN and Palu plus Douglas and Timani's ineligibility aren't doing us any favours there.
niwdeyaj
Guest
I'd take Robshaw over Hooper any day of the week. As many have pointed out, Hooper is like an extra back playing in the forwards.... This would be ok if we had a strong pack, but if anything the Wallabies need 9 forwards and 6 backs, not 7 forwards and 8 backs.... we desperately need Pocock back to his best....
Lukas
Roar Pro
There are a lot of comments on here about Foley being unable to spark the back line. This is total nonsense. It sure wasn't his best game, although he did kick for goal perfectly (how this can written off as not one of the best things Wallaby right now is beyond me) and created the AAC try. But the issue was clearly up front. The French brought an abrasive attitude to the breakdown and were smashing our ball runners behind the advantage line. The lineout was the worst it has been for some time, and the scrum was what it was. There is currently no rugby team in the world winning consistently without forward momentum from big ball runners. We just seem to be lacking the quality. There is also the challenge of not having enough disruptive ability at the breakdown. We miss Pocock. Ireland will just watch the tape from the 2011 World Cup pool defeat and come to the conclusion that not much has changed in Wallaby land and repeat the dose. There's not that much Foley can do to change this. It's up to the big guys up front. I do believe that Genia will get a look in after this match. His ball running creates an extra dimension of doubt in the defence, and it seems we need that right now!
niwdeyaj
Guest
handles, you should know by now that Mike has no idea about rugby...
niwdeyaj
Guest
Yep, can't judge Link after barely any time in charge, the half-wits will claim he had the worst coaching record in the pro era and while that is true, its not a true reflection of ability as a coach. Reality is that prior to the Beale debacle, he had a perfect record against lower ranked teams and was improving the margin against those above us.... We'll never know how far he could or would have taken this team as his reign was brought to an abrupt end due to his inability to manage petulant brats (nothing to do with his ability as a rugby coach). In my opinion, Link was/is a better selector and tactician than Cheika, but Cheika is a better man manager and motivator. What we really need is someone with both skill sets...
expathack
Guest
Bit difficult to gauge McKenzie's stats given the length of time he had in the job. Very close to half the games were against NZ or the Boks. Deans coached over a longer period so had a lot more "gimme" games to boost his average. Like the ones against Samoa and Scotland.
Mat
Guest
Watching the game this morning was a bizarre experience. Shocking handling errors, dropped balls, bush league mistakes and a complete lack of cohesion in attack. Did they undercook their prep? Too much wine and cheese at lunch? Was it the 9pm local kick off? It looked more than simply a change of management, they were half a step behind and out of synch all game. Can't understand for the life of me why Hodgson is only coming on in the last 10. I was screaming at the 50th minute for him come on, strengthen their defence and win some pill. Only goes to show that Cheika wasn't the silver bullet. Inconsistent performances are inherent with this playing group, some wigs need to be split and some tough calls made on who stays and who goes (HORWILL!) Also; so tired of seeing Hooper give up on the scrum and popping his head up.
handles
Guest
Dean Mumm? God save us.
handles
Guest
What evidence is there that Kimlin and Timani, who were marginal Wallaby selections at best, have got better in Europe?
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
Yes thats right, he was horrible in his motm performance. All I can say is OMG.