Australia ease to win over France

Australia have hammered France 50-23 in Brisbane to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series between the teams.

Bernard Foley and Frederic Michalak exchanged penalties early on before an Israel Folau try, converted by Foley, saw the Wallabies open up a 10-3 lead.

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Adam Ashley-Cooper touched down on 23 minutes to extend the home side's advantage, but a second penalty from Michalak soon after saw the visitors stay in touch.

However, Australia went further ahead in the 32nd minute as Michael Hooper added the extras following Foley's try.

A third Michalak penalty on 36 minutes helped an error-strewn French side edge towards double figures, only for Foley to convert Matt Toomua's score in the final minute of the half to put the Aussies 29-9 in front.

France all but collapsed for much of the second half as Foley converted tries from Nick Cummins, Kurtley Beale and Pat McCabe respectively as Australia romped to 50 points.

The French salvaged some pride late on when Michalak added the extras to Morgan Parra's score before a penalty try went their way, but it was not enough to stop them getting their tour off to a disappointing start.