France vs Australia LIVE: Result and reaction after Wallabies thrashed in Paris
After England’s shock defeat to Fiji it’s the final match for France and Australia ahead of the Rugby World Cup
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Your support makes all the difference.France concluded their preparations for their home Rugby World Cup in fine fashion with a convincing 41-17 win over Australia.
At a buoyant Stade de France, the hosts showed off their attacking range to accelerate away in the second half.
The Wallabies impressed in the first half with their own varied play with ball in hand, but failed to make a series of opportunities inside the French 22 count and fell to a fifth successive defeat since Eddie Jones was installed as head coach.
And with Antoine Dupont, Matthieu Jalibert and Thomas Ramos expertly pulling the strings, France’s backs repeatedly cut a fatiguing visiting side to ribbons to sign off in style ahead of the tournament.
Fabien Galthie’s side open the World Cup with a mouthwatering clash with New Zealand in Paris on Friday 8 September.
Australia begin their tournament back at the Stade de France a day later, with the Wallabies taking on Georgia.
Follow live updates from France vs Australia below:
France 16-5 Australia, 41 minutes
It’s a lovely restart, too, allowing Damian Penaud to corral Mark Nawaqanitawase five metres from the Australian line. Andrew Kellaway’s clearance sails out only 30 metres up the left touchline.
HT: France 16-5 Australia
England have also confirmed their final 33 in the last hour or so, with Jonny May replacing Anthony Watson after the wing’s injury, as was expected after the Gloucester wing made a try-scoring return to international action yesterday.
Back to Paris, with the second half not far away.
Cian Healy left out of Ireland’s 33-man Rugby World Cup squad due to injury
Veteran prop Cian Healy has been left out of Ireland’s 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in France due to injury.
The 35-year-old suffered a calf problem in Saturday evening’s 17-13 warm-up win over Samoa.
He was helped from the field by medical staff in the first half at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne before being pictured on crutches.
Ireland squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup:
Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter, (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Keith Earls (Munster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Johnny Sexton (Leinster, captain).
Cian Healy left out of Ireland’s 33-man Rugby World Cup squad due to injury
The 35-year-old suffered a calf problem in Saturday evening’s 17-13 warm-up win over Samoa.
HT: France 16-5 Australia
A relatively even contest at the Stade de France, with Thomas Ramos’s accuracy from the tee the difference so far with Carter Gordon thrice missing shots at goal for Australia. Both sides have threatened in attack, with the Wallabies creating plenty of opportunities and France ever dangerous in possession - you fancy this might just open up a little bit later, but both defences have scrambled smartly to limit it to just a single try apiece.
France 16-5 Australia, 45 minutes
Carter Gordon doesn’t fancy another chance to find his range - he turns down a kickable three and instead pokes up the right touchline. Australia’s lineout is 20 metres out, and the maul earns them five more yards.
Luke Pearce demands they use it when the drive runs out of momentum, but inaccurate handling in the wide channels will send everyone down the tunnel.
France 16-5 Australia, 44 minutes
Onwards we go with the clock ticking past 43 minutes, Australia’s lineout not straight and France forced to take the scrum.
Can Australia attack and earn a penalty against the head? Angus Bell rocks Uini Atonio back on the engage...and the penalty is Australia’s!
France 16-5 Australia, 41 minutes
Much more like it from the Australian forwards, the equal of the French eight as they try and bash their way through from ten metres out. Antoine Dupont goes it alone in an attempt to regather momentum but Suliasi Vunivalu snares him by the shirt fabric, and an isolated Dupont’s only support is Jean-Baptiste Gros, who arrives from the side. Penalty to the visitors.
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