Rugby

Australia ride early red card to edge France and take series

Koroibete is sent off early but Wallabies recover to take thrilling Test in Brisbane

The Wallabies celebrate their victory over France in Brisbane. Photograph: Jono Searle/Getty
The Wallabies celebrate their victory over France in Brisbane. Photograph: Jono Searle/Getty
Sat Jul 17 2021 - 13:45

Australia 33 France 30

Noah Lolesio slotted a penalty with two minutes left as a 14-man Australia edged France 33-30 in a nerve-shredding classic at Lang Park on Saturday to seal the three-test series 2-1.

Australia were a man down after the fifth minute when winger Marika Koroibete was given a red card for a high tackle but the Wallabies rallied brilliantly at Lang Park.

The referee gives a red to Australia’s Marika Koroibete during the early stages of his side’s win over France. Photograph: Patrick Hamilton/Getty/AFP
The referee gives a red to Australia’s Marika Koroibete during the early stages of his side’s win over France. Photograph: Patrick Hamilton/Getty/AFP

Lolesio was nerveless off the tee in the last few minutes, and he calmly slotted the winner from a sharp angle to extend Australia’s winning streak to nine at their Brisbane fortress.

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Australia had tries from Tate McDermott, Lolesio and Taniela Tupou, with Baptiste Couilloud, Cameron Woki and Pierre-Louis Barassi crossing for the French.

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