World champions Australia were beaten 14-13 by France today, their second consecutive defeat at the hands of northern hemisphere opposition in eight days.
The Wallabies lost 21-15 to England at Twickenham last Saturday. Before their European tour, the Tri-Nations champions had lost just twice this year.
France secured their first triumph over the Australians since 1993 through a 26th minute try from New Zealander centre Tony Marsh and one penalty from teenager flyhalf Frederic Michalak and two from the boot of centre Damien Traille.
The Wallabies got a late try from replacement Ben Tune and a conversion from Elton Flatley but it was not enough to stop the French. Fullback Matt Burke put over two penalties.
Before they began their European tour, the Wallabies had a 2001 test record of four victories, two defeats and one draw.
The Wallabies were beaten by the British and Irish Lions on June 30 in Brisbane before recovering to win the series 2-1. They also lost to South Africa 20-15 in Pretoria on July 28. - Reuters