Matt Finish Cheers Up Aussies

Jun 29 2008

MATT GITEAU was Australia's hero as they dumped France 34-13 in a scrappy clash at the ANZ Stadium in Brisbane.

The fly-half scored a try and kicked four conversions and two penalties as Oz dominated the second half.

Wallabies led just 10-6 at the interval, after Giteau's score, but stormed away with two tries inside five minutes from Nathan Sharpe and Rocky Elsom.

A touchdown by Stirling Mortlock ended French resistance although Alexis Palisson restored some pride.

Boss Robbie Deans was happy with his second Aussie win and said: "We sustained our attack for longer.

"We were a bit inaccurate with our ball work under a lot of pressure in the first half.

"But we were patient, built some pressure and got in behind the French."