Australia overcome late France resistance to keep Grand Slam hopes alive

France 23 - 25 Australia, Stade de France
Scorecard

Bernard Foley contributed with 15 points as Australia held their nerve to overcome France by 23-25 at Stade de France on Saturday to keep their chances of Grand Slam alive.

This was Australia's third victory in their Northern Hemisphere tour after defeating Wales and Scotland earlier.

France had the upper-hand in the first quarter as wing Virimi Vakatawa scored a try in the 16th minute and scrum half Maxime Machenaud added a penalty to take a 8-0 lead.

Foley got Australia rolling with a penalty in the 21st minute and two minutes later Australia were awarded a penalty try which also saw France flanker Charles Ollivon sin-binned.

Foley and Machenaud exchanged penalties just before the end of the first half as Australia took a slender two-point lead heading into half-time.

The Australian fly-half looked in tremendous touch as he scored a converted try in the 42nd minute to stretch the Wallabies lead to nine points.

France fly-half Jean-Marc Doussain crossed over to bring down the gap to four points but it was negated when centre Tevita Kuridrani went past the line for the Wallabies.

Centre Wesley Fofana brightened France chances of a win with his 66th minute try and Machenaud conversion brought down the difference to two points. However, Australia remained calm and held on to their lead to complete a two-point victory.

The Wallabies will face Ireland next in Dublin followed by a clash against England in Twickenham.