The Wallabies got out of jail in a gripping 23-21 first Test win over a gallant France at Suncorp Stadium.
Here's how the Aussie players rated.
1: James Slipper 6/10
Solid performance in the Wallabies engine room from the hard-working front rower.
2: Brandon Paenga-Amosa 8/10
Was subbed off after 60 minutes, having put in a very well-rounded display. Scrummaging and lineout work was near exemplary, topped off with a well-deserved try from a lineout drive.
3: Allan Alaalatoa 7/10
Piled the pressure on at scrum time and acquitted himself well doing the dirty work.
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4: Matt Philip 7.5/10
Fiery display, which helped bring his team back into the match. A towering presence at lineout time, with a high workout rate and plenty of controlled aggression.
5: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 7/10
A steadying presence in the second row. Chimed in as needed as a lineout target and continued to provide pressure on defence all game.
6: Rob Valetini 6/10
Never really had front foot ball to showcase his damaging running skills and became isolated at times on attack, but defensive work was solid.
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7: Michael Hooper 7/10
The skipper had a knack for coming up big in the key moments. Created momentum shifting turnovers and scored a try from close range.
8: Harry Wilson 7.5/10
Shaky start from the ball-playing loose forward, but managed to work his way into the game and showed never-ending hustle in the second half, before being subbed with nine minutes remaining.
9: Jake Gordon 4/10
Had a pass to Hunter Paisami ruled forward to wipe out a try and a poor defensive read let France score. Plenty of effort, but also plenty of errors on a forgettable night.
10: Noah Lolesio 6/10
Felt a lot of pressure from the rushing French defence, but displayed some nice organisational touches and kicked the all-important goals when needed.
11: Marika Koroibete 8.5/10
Easily looked the most dangerous attacking player on the field, without much reward. His work rate remained high even as chances didn't necessarily flow his way.
12: Matt To'omua 6/10
Provided a valuable link option in the backline and a steadying influence for the less-experienced Lolesio.
13: Hunter Paisami 4.5/10
Had a number of strong charges but also a number of errors at crucial times. Usually has good instincts with when to kick, but didn't in this game.
14: Tom Wright 4/10
Struggled to get into the game and missed a golden opportunity for a try, albeit from a tricky bouncing ball.
15: Tom Banks 5/10
Errors marred his first half, but managed to bounce back in the second, as his wide roaming runs and kicking game became more prominent.
RESERVES
16: Lachlan Lonergan 5/10
Came on in the final quarter and had his confidence dented by his first lineout throw not going straight.
17: Angus Bell 7/10
Put in a big hit to stop French momentum and forced a scrum penalty at a crucial stage of the match.
18: Taniela Tupou 8/10
Immediate impact with repeated scrum penalties, a huge line break and excellent defensive pressure on the final French lineout to help force the decisive turnover.
19: Darcy Swain 6/10
Came on for his Test debut with 25 minutes remaining and was solid.
20: Isi Naisarani 6.5/10
Brought on in the final 10 minutes and provided a few nice touches with the ball in hand, but conceded an important turnover.
21: Tate McDermott 7/10
Provided spark in attack and his crisp passing game offered more fluency to the backline. Was on hand to grab an incredible turnover to keep the game alive.
22: Len Ikitau N/A
Did not play.
23: Andrew Kellaway N/A
Came on for the last 12 minutes to debut, but hardly saw the ball.
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