SYDNEY—Matt Giteau scored all his team's points as Australia defeated France 22-6 at the Olympic stadium on Saturday.
Giteau scored a try and kicked six goals in a brilliant solo display that was matched by Australia 's superb defence.
The Wallabies have conceded just two tries in four matches this season, including one against the Barbarians and two against Italy, but Saturday's effort was by far their best effort.
"The French are a capable side and we suppressed their opportunities and we did it in a way that was organised and positive and enthusiastic - and we sustained it," Australia coach Robbie Deans told a news conference.
"It was a full team effort. Everyone got involved in the game and added something, which is something we've been working hard at as well."
France had not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1990 but came into the match with high hopes after drawing their two test series against New Zealand this month.
They were missing a handful of first-choice players after a long season in Europe but were outplayed by an impressive Wallaby team who tackled everything that the French threw at them.
"Our players were very courageous but after two very hard games and 11 months of competition that was one game too many," France coach Marc Lievremont said, speaking through a translator.
" Australia are a very good side, they are very well organised, and they were at a different level to us."
The match began at a frantic pace with both teams throwing the ball around and hitting each other hard in defence but it was not long until the Australians started to take control.
GITEAU STRIKES
The Wallabies missed an early chance to score when wing Drew Mitchell dropped the ball over the line in the left corner but opened their account in the 18th minute with a smartly executed try from Giteau.
The 26-year-old initiated the move when he flung the ball wide to captain Stirling Mortlock then finished it off when he collected the final pass from inside centre Berrick Barnes.
France almost scored when skipper Thierry Dusautoir charged down an attempted clearance from Giteau but had to be content with a penalty from flyhalf after flanker George Smith tackled Damien Traille late.
The Wallabies stretched their lead to 10-3 at halftime when Giteau landed the first of his penalties in the 27th minute then he kept the scoreboard ticking over by slotting over another four penalties in the first 17 minutes of the second term as France's discipline let them down.
"That was encouraging because we know from here we're going to get a serious test in the Tri-Nations. The ante is going to go up," Deans said.
"t's been a solid month for us. It's been a really good background for us."
The tourists, who drew their two test series in New Zealand earlier this month, broke Australia 's scoring sequence when scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili booted their second penalty on the hour.
Giteau's personal haul of 22 points was just three short of the Australian record against France, set by Matthew Burke at the 1999 World Cup final in Cardiff.
Members of the triumphant Wallaby team were presented to the crowd on Saturday as part of a 10-year celebration of their success.
