After a scratchy first half in which we would have been behind if not for some Matt Giteau magic, we finally saw what the Wallabies are capable of in the first 15 minutes of second half.

Australia had control but the enthusiasm they showed early on wasn't enough. They piled it on later in the match, scoring three tries early in the second period, no doubt giving Robbie Deans some relief and probably saving the skins of a few players.

The French were valiant, but struggled particularly when they faced up to an experienced Australian bench.

There were positives for Australia. Scrum guru Michael Foley would be happy. The French are strong scrummagers and were physical at the breakdown. The Wallabies handled them well. They dominated the breakdown, allowing the back row to have a picnic.

The lineout gave the backs a reasonable platform although they seemed to run across field looking for space. Australia needs a national kicking mentor.

Deans threatened changes if France weren't put away. But he has some questions to face. Does Sam Cordingley come in for Luke Burgess? Will he swap Giteau and Berrick Barnes around? My feeling is that he'll keep pretty much the same side and try to build combinations.