Aurelien Rougerie scored twice for France

Both sides took time to settle and size each other up but it was Australia who finally broke the deadlock after 17 minutes.

French hands in the ruck under their own posts gifted Burke the three points which sparked their domination of the half.

Six minutes later, Wallaby Stephen Larkham's chip through was gathered by full-back Chris Latham who surged upfield.

Australia swept to the left and winger Mortlock was on hand to run in the first try.

Burke missed the conversion but made amends shortly after when he picked up a wayward pass during a rare French break and raced clear for the Wallabies' second try.

Mortlock's half-break and long pass fed wing Wendell Sailor, who handed it on to Herbert to score in the corner.

Burke scored Australia's second try

Mortlock missed the conversion to add to two misses in the first half by Burke, who went off for Matt Rogers at the break.

Australia did land another penalty shortly after before France had a try disallowed for a knock-on.

And the Wallaby captain George Gregan then stretched the lead to six with his first drop-goal in Test rugby.

Australia upped the tempo and a powerful attack and strong run from Finegan put Mortlock in for Australia's fourth try.

France were wavering but mustered the resolve to hand Rougerie his second try after a flowing move inside the last five minutes.

It was Australia who were on the ropes as the whistle loomed but they held on.

Teams:

Australia: Latham, Sailor, Burke, Herbert, Mortlock, Larkham, Gregan, Young, Cannon, Noriega, Sharpe, Harrison, Finegan, Smith, Lyons.

Replacements: Hardman, Moore, Vickerman, Cockbain, Whitaker, Flatley, Rogers.

France: Brusque, Rougerie, Marsh, Traille, Elhorga, Merceron, Michalak, Crenca, Ibanez, Marconnet, Pelous, Brouzet, Betsen, Chabal, Harinordoqui.

Replacements: Azam, Poux, Porcu, Magne, Mignoni, Jauzion, Heymans.

Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)