Penaud wonder try seals victory

By JAMES BAKER

France…………… 30

Australia………..29

France sealed an 11th consecutive victory – their longest ever win streak – courtesy of Damian Penaud's dramatic late winner.

Bernard Foley and Thomas Ramos traded early penalties in a cagey opening before the Wallabies scored a length of the field counter-attack try as Tom Wright's rapid break down the left assisted Lalakai Foketi, who crossed under the posts for a sensational score.

France responded with back-to-back Ramos penalties and the home side then took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Gael Fickou intercepted on halfway and his grubber kick, supported by a brilliant chase from his teammates, forced a turnover at the following breakdown with Julian Marchand on hand to dot down for a pick and go try. Foley and Ramos continued to trade penalties before the Wallabies took the lead through Jock Campbell, who finished a scintillating backline move. Australia's lead was increased to four points with a further Foley penalty.

France pushed for a late try and after winning penalties they twice went to the corner but resilient last-ditch Wallaby defence stopped them.

Ramos reduced the deficit to a solitary point with another penalty but Foley then restored Australia's lead with a three-pointer of his own.

But Penaud stole the show after being picked out with a looping pass by Mathieu Jalibert. He beat three defenders to touch down in the corner.