Wallabies ride out early red to clinch series

THE next time anyone tries to tell you red cards ruin matches, direct them to a video of this enthralling third Test.

- JAMES HARRINGTON

Galthie’s development Bleus were unable to double-down on Tuesday’s first Test victory in Australia for 31 years which levelled the series despite having a player advantage for 75 minutes and head home still looking for a first series win in Australia since 1972.

But obvious French disappointment will be tempered by the breakout performances of a number of players in difficult circumstances. Gaetan Barlot and Melvyn Jaminet both played themselves into regular selection reckoning. Arthur Vincent gave the France staff a midfield selection headache. Cameron Woki can be ignored no longer, Anthony Jelonch proved his worth as player and leader.

Options at lock, long a problem for France, look brighter. It’s a shame, then, that the cross-hemisphere debate will focus on Marika Koroibete’s red card for a high tackle on Jelonch five minutes in. By the letter of laws, it was a nailed-on red.