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Last-gasp penalty edges Australia to victory over second string France

By PA
Matt Philip of the Wallabies (center) reacts to a non try during the international Test match between the Australia Wallabies and France at Suncorp Stadium on July 07, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

Noah Lolesio’s late penalty saw Australia snatch a dramatic last-gasp 23-21 win over France as a young and ill-disciplined visiting side blew an early 15-0 lead.

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France needed only to kick into touch at the death but lost their composure under pressure and allowed Tate McDermott to swoop on the ball and put the game on to Lolesio’s boot.

It was a second consecutive match in which France led with the ball in their hands after 80 minutes but ended up on the losing side following their dramatic 27-23 Six Nations loss to Scotland in March.

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NZ players on the clunky start for the Springboks in their Lions warm up against Georgia

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NZ players on the clunky start for the Springboks in their Lions warm up against Georgia

Australia had looked rusty in the early stages of their first international of 2021, allowing a second-string French side to race into a 15-0 lead with two tries from Gabin Villiere inside the opening 20 minutes.

Having dug themselves a considerable hole, Australia finally began to grow into the game, and some strong pressure finally paid off when Brandon Paenga-Amosa crossed to get them on the board with 35 minutes gone.

They cut the gap further four minutes into the second half as France gifted Australia another penalty, with Lolesio taking advantage to make it 15-10, but Louis Carbonel quickly replied for France.

Australia began to pile on the pressure again and had a chance from a line-out when Hunter Paisami tried to chip through for Tom Wright, but the bounce went against him and France escaped.

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The two teams traded penalties around the hour mark, Lolesio cutting the deficit before France substitute Melvyn Jaminet responded with a huge 45-metre effort from the left touchline to make it an eight-point contest once again.

But this young French side – missing several key players with the Top 14 final between Toulouse and La Rochelle only last week – continued to concede too many penalties, and the next one handed a critical advantage to Australia who capitalised when Michael Hooper crossed with nine minutes to go.

It appeared Australia had blown their chance when Lolesio missed a drop goal in the 77th minute, but he would make no such mistake when the opportunity came his way again moments later.

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H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
'If we win the World Cup in 3 years, no one remembers the blitz not working'

If they win the WC in 3 years... How about start winning each game before then starting on Saturday? How will you win a WC if you can't even win a game now? There is no winning culture there.


Let me ask this... Is your excuses for losing against the Boks written by Thursday and ready to hand out with the team announcement?


Because that is the wrong thing to say currently. The English isn't winning any games currently except against Tier 2 nations. Granted it's close losses, but instead of getting better, they seem to get worse.


SA is targeting the English game with their best. The Boks is in great form, despite the Scottish game. The Scottish would have destroyed the English on Saturday if they played them instead of the Boks. They were brilliant despite the scoreline.


I'd suggest that they concentrate on the next game. Each and every time. Forget about the WC and 6N. Start by winning each game you play. It doesn't matter if it's an ugly win or not. It doesn't matter if people say you play boring rugby.


Winning is winning. Extravagant or not. If their minds is on the WC already they will lose. Yes, build depth for the WC in 3 years time. Get the talent and test them. Give them that chance to compete like Rassie does. Learn from a coach who is arguably the best coach ever.


You don't need to play like the Boks. All that is needed is to get the talent in for the WC in 3 years time, but to say IF WE WIN the WC, but you can't even win a game...

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