Les Bleus, playing their last match on a short end-of-season tour, delighted the 50,000 crowd with their flair and skill.

The Wallabies may have won by six points, but coach Eddie Jones will have a few concerns about the performance, none more so than the injuries suffered by captain George Gregan, who missed the entire second half, and centre Stirling Mortlock, who pulled a hamstring after just 26 minutes.

Both must be in doubt for next Saturday's clash with the Springboks, for the Mandela Cup.

After Australia took an early lead through a Matt Giteau penalty, it was the French who showed their skills with winger Cedric Heymans scoring an interception try after 14 minutes.

The Wallabies fought back into the fast-paced match and Stephen Larkham scored, with Giteau converting to put Australia into a 10-5 lead.

Chris Latham scored Australia's second try close to half-time to extend his side's advantage.

Les Bleus responded quickly after the break and moved to within a point of the home side with a converted try by Julien Laharrague.

But then the fun and games started as first Australia got on top and then France hit back.

Tries by Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui and a brilliant interception try from hooker Jeremy Paul stretched the Wallabies' lead to 30-14.

The home side looked to be home and hosed - but the tough, uncomprising French had other ideas.

First Damien Traille crossed the line for a try, which Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted to make the score 30-21. Then Elissalde landed a penalty in the 76th minute.

But Turinui's second try, converted by Mat Rogers, took the score to 37-24.

In the final minute, however, the never-say-die French scored their fourth converted try through Julien Candelon.