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Infuriating blunders that cost the Wallabies in second France Test

Two brutal Wallabies blunders, pictured here in the second Test against France.
Two brutal blunders that ultimately cost the Wallabies in the second Test against France. Image: Nine

Plastic Bertrand's massive 70s hit 'Ça plane pour moi' blasted from the AAMI Park speakers as the Wallabies found themselves chasing France in Tuesday night's second Test.

We don’t know if the PA guy learnt French at school, but the song loosely translates into English as "everything's going well for me".

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Not much was going well for Australia at that point.

The Wallabies' best player, Marika Koroibete, had just been robbed of a sensational solo try because of an earlier knock on by wing partner Tom Wright following more confusion and a lack of communication under a high ball.

Why let it bounce and invite trouble?

It was just one of a number of infuriating unforced errors that allowed the clinical French to stay one step ahead for most of the journey, clinching a brave 28-26 victory to lock the series up at 1-all heading to Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Wallabies had their chances to win this game and ensure Les Bleus' 31-year losing run Down Under continued, but they fluffed their lines again.

Care for some more examples?

Down 22-16 and 10m out from the French line late in the game, an Australian lineout throw goes astray and the visitors march up-field and eventually secure a penalty to go nine ahead.

Then, after clawing their way back to lead by a point with three minutes to go, the Wallabies were given the opportunity to see out the game when awarded a scrum 40m out from their line.

They must have known the French were going to throw everything at disrupting them but it didn't prevent our front-row from being churned through a meat grinder.

Penalty France and game over.

France players, pictured here celebrating after beating the Wallabies in the second Test.
France players celebrate after beating the Wallabies in the second Test. (Photo by Dave Hewison/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Wallabies can take positives from second Test

The Australians won just about every head-to-head stat except the one that mattered most – on the scoreboard.

Coach Dave Rennie pointed to the nine turnovers his team conceded at the breakdown, while skipper Michael Hooper lamented his team's inability to maintain pressure when in good field position.

This French side is extremely patient and know Australian mistakes – and opportunities - will come if it maintains discipline.

There were specks of gold for the Wallabies.

Prop Taniela Tupou was excellent after being handed a rare starting berth, lock Matt Philip was a huge presence, Tom Banks had one of his best matches in Australian colours, Hooper put in a double shift while Koroibete was on another level.

When they got things right, Australia produced some quality Test match rugby.

So, it's onto Brisbane for a decider many weren't expecting.

Under-strength France has been better than we expected and Australia is clearly a long way from the finished article.

But who's complaining? Not us. It's made for an intriguing series with the final thrilling chapter to come.

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