Spring Tour: Ill Discipline Costs Wallabies As Les Bleus Exact Revenge
by Paul Cook -
The Wallabies have suffered their first defeat under new coach Michael Cheika, going down 29-26 in Paris to a French side vastly improved from the team that buckled in the three test series in Australia back in June.
A fast start from Les Bleus had the Wallabies playing catch up for most of the first half but they rallied well to get within a point at the break and looked set to go on with it after the restart. However, the French kicked on, taking advantage of some poor discipline from the visitors to lead 29-19 with little more than 10 minutes remaining and despite a late try from Rob Simmons offering hope of a final twist in the tail, the hosts hung on for what was a deserved victory in the end.
Early pressure from the Wallabies almost brought instant success, Sekope Ke