Wallabies hit decade low with sixth straight defeat in loss to France

France have piled on 30 consecutive points to run down the Wallabies, who wilted in Brisbane for a sixth-straight Test loss.

The back-to-back Six Nations champions gave up a 21-12 halftime lead at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday before hitting top gear in a 42-26 win that got messy for the hosts in the final 20 minutes.

It followed a two-point loss to world No.3 Ireland a week ago, when they also led by 12 points, and marked Australia’s first six-game losing streak in 10 years and ninth loss from their last 10 Tests.

Fraser McReight, as part of an inspired back row scored twice and saved another try in a brilliant first half, while fullback Tom Wright twice kicked 50-22s to give his side momentum.

The hosts pounced with two tries as former Brisbane club rugby junior Emmanuel Meafou, who scored the game’s first five-pointer, was serving 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high shot.

Up 21-12, Australia showed pluck to turn around several French raids to begin the second half.

But, after captain Maxime Lucu slotted a penalty, the floodgates opened.

Wright was yellow-carded for a professional foul before Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored his second.

They crossed twice more with Wright off the field to effectively ice the game with almost 20 minutes still to play.

Jeremy Williams ended the French run of points with a consolation try with four minutes remaining.

Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa was the Wallabies’ first tryscorer, replacing concussed No.2 Josh Nasser in just the third minute.

Debutant flyhalf Declan Meredith and halfback Ryan Lonergan were replaced just before the hour mark, but Jock Campbell – in an unfamiliar first-receiver role – and Tate McDermott failed to fire in a clunky conclusion.

Australia play Italy in Perth next Saturday in coach Joe Schmidt’s final act before Les Kiss takes charge.