France escape with a narrow win over Australia

France hung on for a narrow 29-26 win over Australia in a thrilling Test match this morning.

Sébastien Tillous-Borde and Teddy Thomas went over in the opening half‑hour for France but Australia fought back with a score from Adam Ashley‑Cooper.

Camille Lopez kept the Wallabies at a distance but Rob Simmons' try four minutes from time got Australia right back into it.

But the Wallabies could not add to that and went down for the first time on their European tour.

At Murrayfield, Jeremy Thrush’s late try finally killed off a determined Scottish challenge as the All Blacks registered a 24‑16 win.

New Zealand drew first blood with a try from Victor Vito but Scotland hit straight back when Tommy Seymour picked off a loose pass from Richie McCaw to cross.

Dan Carter slotted three penalties to one from Greig Laidlaw as New Zealand led 14-10 at the break.

The Scotland skipper added two more penalties in the second half to one from Colin Slade, but Laidlaw's miss ten minutes from time proved costly.

New Zealand then powered their way over through Thrush, with Slade's conversion making the game safe six minutes from time.

In Twickenham, South Africa have held off a fierce England fightback to triumph 31-28 and make it five rugby defeats in a row for the host nation, 10 months out from the Rugby World Cup.