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Australia’s Wallaroos were left frustrated by a potentially big Test victory that came off as undisciplined France somehow miraculously escaped to a 29-26 victory after being 19 points down and reduced to just 11 men at one point.
On a most unusual test day rugby on Saturday (Sunday AEST), compounded by off-field drama when the second half had to be delayed due to a bus being set on fire outside the Maurice David Stadium, the home fans were left almost in disbelief as their imploded and exhausted side somehow managed to pull off a win.
And the number 9 side in the world Australia they will be wondering how they let a fourth-placed French side on who, incredibly, went down to 11 men at one point in the first half after three yellow cards, including one upgraded to a 20-minute red and red red.
That gave the Wallaroos a 19-0 lead, but it still proved not enough to stop France fighting back to prevail with three tries in the second half, even with a sixth card after the break.
Australia, who also sent Michaela Leonard to the bin in the second half to complete a seven-card upset, did not help themselves as the French scored 17 unanswered points in the final 25 minutes to turn a 26-12 deficit into the most unlikely victory.
In the end, Australia’s four tries from Britanny Merlo, Tania Naden, Caitlyn Halse and Piper Duck were not enough for them to follow up last week’s comprehensive defeat by England with a morale-boosting win.
The madness started early, with the French hit with four bookings in 20 minutes and Ambre Mwayembe, Lea Champon and Lea Murie all in the box for high-profile tackles – Mwayembe upgraded to a 20-minute red – before Chloe Correa was shown a straight red for gouging her eyes in the maul.
Australia cashed in, Merleau tipping over for his second international try after 17 minutes, Naden chipping away to score against a side left helpless when reduced to 11 and Halse then scoring the Wallaroos’ weakest try after a fine team move.
But when France started to get their numbers back, it became a very different game as they cut the deficit to 19-12 by half-time, when everyone’s attention was drawn to a fire that sent smoke swirling around the ground before it was extinguished.
After an early Duck goal, five minutes into the delayed second half, Pauline Bourdon crossed the line to reduce the deficit.
When Leonard was penalized for a high tackle, the home team took heart, only to be tested again as Charlotte Escudero was booked for 10 minutes for her high challenge.
Australia missed their chance as Naden knocked over as they pressed for a score, and France then used their power to score in the 68th minute through prostitute Elise Riffonneau, before Teani Feleu headed over in the corner for the score.
The Wallaroos can take some comfort from their improved performance after thrashing England and will fancy their chances in Edinburgh next week to topple Scotland, who lost 66-14 in 10 tries New Zealand on Saturday.
