The Wallabies hopes of an unbeaten Grand Slam tour of Europe are over after a dramatic 29-26 loss to France in Paris.

Australia looked likely to pip France at the death when Rob Simmons scooted through to narrow the margin to three points with five minutes remaining, but the French held on to gain some vengeance for the 3-0 series whitewash earlier this year.

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France was over for its first try in the sixth minute of the first half when Sebastien Tillous-Borde burst through the Wallabies defence, before winger Teddy Thomas scored a stunning second to move the hosts further ahead.

Thomas shrugged off the attentions of three tackles to sprint clear down the left wing as the back put his side 17-6 up over Australia.

But the Wallabies fought back late in the first stanza when Adam Ashley-Cooper stole in for a try on the right hand side as the first half ended 17-16.

But poor discipline and execution from the Wallabies saw fly half Camille Lopez boot home three more penalties, with South African-born Rory Kockott kicking another three-pointer for France.

Les Bleus saw replacement Remi Tales sin-binned for the final eight minutes of the clash.

But great pick-up play saw Israel Folau and Quade Cooper exchange passes before offloading to Simmons , who cantered through to score the Wallabies’ second try to trail 29-26 with five minutes remaining.

With the tourists threatening, a late knock-on less than 10 metres out from the French try line saw Australia’s hopes of a dramatic, come-from-behind win dissipate as France held on for a three-point win.

More to follow.