Australia continued their winning start under new coach Robbie Deans with a 34-13 victory over a weakened France side in Sydney.

The Wallabies made it two from two this summer as they ran in four tries to France's one in front of a disappointing crowd at the Olympic Stadium.

In a scrappy first half, Australia had only a Matt Giteau try, conversion and penalty to show for their domination, and lead by only 10-6 going into the break.

France scrum-half Dimitri Yachvilli added a second penalty in the 40th minute after Australia first failed to find touch to bring the half to a close and then infringed as the tourists ran the ball back at them.

But the Wallabies took control soon after the interval with touch downs from forwards Nathan Sharpe and Rocky Elsom, while skipper Stirling Mortlock added a fourth with an interception off a Damien Traille pass soon after the hour.

The victory for Australia follows their narrow 18-12 win over Ireland in Melbourne two weeks ago, which was their first game under Deans.

Another victory next week will see Deans go into the Tri-Nations with three wins from three games, though the Wallabies will face a far stiffer test against world champions South Africa in their first match.

Australia had their usual problems in the front row when it came to scrum time, but overall they easily deserved their victory against an inexperienced and youthful French outfit.

France were without a large number of first-choice players from Clermont and Toulouse, who remained at home to contest the Top 14 final later on Saturday.

Although the France defence was tight enough to make them competitive in the first half, they looked clueless and tired for much of the third quarter when they conceded three soft tires.

A long and draining European season was clearly taking its toll. But to their credit they continued to battle and were rewarded for their efforts in the 66th minute when diminutive winger Alexis Palisson wriggled over for a try on his debut.

It was an admirable effort from Palisson, France's best attacking player, who had the composure to touch down despite a huge tackle from Mortlock.

France, led by Sebastien Chabal and Louis Picamoles, were battering the Australia line at the final whistle but were unable to break down a stubborn Wallabies defence.

But the French side can at least take some confidence from this performance into the second Test in Brisbane next week.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport