Reigning champions France fight off Australia in a nail-biting IDRC clash

The French Armed Forces have fought off a well-organised Australian Defence Force team to win the opening match in Pool B at the International Defence Rugby Competition. 

The reigning IDRC champions, this result will be seen as a huge win for the French side in what is regarded as their toughest game in what has been nicknamed the ‘Group of Death’.

France opened proceedings with an opening try from their right wing Melanie Bousquet, who broke through Australia’s defence to dive over the try line, with fly-half Melissa Bergeron adding the extras. 

Australia hit back with a brilliant run by Monifa See Kee, who collected an offload from teammate and skipper Caitlyn Costello to score Australia’s first try of the game. 

Minutes later, See Kee was on form once again, outpacing the French around the outside to sprint over the line, bumping the Australians up 7-10. 

With half-time looming, the French found a quick response to the Australian’s flurry of tries as loose-head prop Lise Arricastre pushed through the Australian defence to dot over the try line, putting the French back ahead at 12-10 at half-time.

Both teams proved to be closely matched in the second half, and a penalty awarded to France presented them with the opportunity to put more points on the board, with Melissa Bergeron successfully converting for an extra three. 

Australia decided to make a switch, and on came their experienced player Sarah Riordan.

Within minutes of coming on, Riordan came through with a try for the Australian side, and Mykayla Crisp added the extras to raise them back into the lead. 

With the French, all hope was not lost, and with a final push at the try line, substitute Julie Del Corral delivered another try for the reigning champions to swing the advantage back in their favour. 

As the full-time whistle sounded, the French emerged victorious with a 22-17 victory in what is regarded as the toughest pool in the competition, as the Australians were forced to count a loss in their opening game. 

France will go on to play Fiji, and the Australians will play the team from the Vodafone LooseHeadz on 22 August.