The Wallabies failed to capture the type of win that can launch a World Cup campaign, falling 30-29 to France in heartbreaking scenes in the city of love.
Make no mistake, they showed when they are on their game they can match it with the best in the World.
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But once again, a lack of execution late in both halves came back to haunt them as France struck, leaving fans to wonder what could’ve been.
So what did we learn from the match?
1.What could have been
The Wallabies will be frustrated they couldn’t close that game out, missing the perfect opportunity to produce the statement victory that was so needed.
It’s just another case of a close game going against the visitors, unable to tighten up as Damian Penaud exposed some weak defence down the short side to send the Paris crowd rapid.
There was plenty to like from the performance as they played with flair and produced great maul defence to shut down the French pack.
They also remained composed and didn't look outmatched when France produced an aerial assault.
But it’s those clutch moments that continue to haunt the side as they once again fail to produce back-to-back wins.
2. Try of the Year
You will struggle to find a better try than Lalakai Foketi’s in the 18th minute.
It was a perfect display of running Rugby as Tom Wright showcased his pace to get outside of his man.
This combined with perfect placement from Jock Campbell and Foketi left the host crowd stunned as the Wallabies flipped momentum to put themselves on the front foot.
It's the type of Rugby that will delight any fan, providing plenty of confidence for the rest of the tour and beyond.
3. No Jo(c)ke
Jock Campbell proved he can match it with the best at the International level.
He was reliable in attack, showing the underrated pace to get on the outside of Romain Ntameck to put the Wallabies in front late.
Not only that, he was calm under the high ball and made little mistakes, a point of difference after the Wallabies' early struggles in 2022.
He was kicking himself after missing the tackle on Penaud but that doesn’t take away from a shining starting debut.
4. Shooting themselves in the foot
The Wallabies remain their own worse enemy at times, particularly before and after half-time.
It’s been a common theme for Dave Rennie’s men and it once again hurt them after a strong first half. Instead of keeping the ball in close and playing for the siren, Bernard Foley’s pass found no one and gifted France one last chance to attack.
There’s a reason Les Blues are considered the best team in the world by several pundits, including Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, striking to flip momentum and take a 19-13 lead into the break after some easy penalties allowed Thomas Ramos to boot penalty after penalty
It’s the second week in a row loose passing has gifted opposition easy points after Kinghorn’s grubber and try, ultimately proving the difference.
5. Instant impact
Will Skelton justified his selection on the bench, producing some much-needed impact when the Wallabies needed it
His first injection was to force a mistake from the French rolling maul whilst he put his hand up countless times for key hit-ups.
It was the type of form that has made him a superstar in the Top 14, delivering on the potential he mentioned during the week.
He will get the chance to further his case next week against Italy, pencilled in to start in Florence
