Australia - 31 France - 25Australia wrapped a 2-0 series victory over France in Sydney on Saturday, but they were pushed all the way at the Olympic Stadium.
The hosts built a 13-0 lead after 29 minutes through tries from Stirling Mortlock and Matthew Burke, but the visitors hit back with 18 unanswered points by the 46th minute.
But the Australians then moved 31-18 ahead without ever dominating the contest, thanks to Daniel Herbert and Mortlock scores and a George Gregan drop goal.
Aurélien Rougerie went over twice and Sylvain Marconnet once for the French, who battled gallantly until the end.
France, who made six changes to the side which lost 29-17 in the first Test in Melbourne last week, started well. But Australia made the breakthrough on 17 minutes when French hands in the ruck gave Burke the opportunity to register three points.
That was the beginning of a spell of pressure from the Wallabies, and six minutes later Stephen Larkham's chip and run was gathered by full back Chris Latham who found Mortlock for the day's first try.
Australia had to weather a late French storm in the dying moments. They did, and claimed a series win in the process.
AUSTRALIA: C Latham; W Sailor, M Burke, D Herbert, S Mortlock; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, N Noriega, N Sharpe, J Harrison, O Finegan, G Smith.
FRANCE: N Brusque; A Rougerie, T Marsh, D Traille, P Elhorga; G Merceron, F Michalak; JJ Crenca, R Ibanez (capt), S Marconnet, F Pelous, O Brouzet, S Betsen, S Chabal, l Harinordoquy.
