Australia coach Robbie Deans was encouraged by an 'improved performance' as the Wallabies beat an under-strength France 34-13 in their first Test in Sydney on Saturday.
Deans was taking charge for only his second match after the 18-12 win over Ireland a fortnight ago.
It looked like this match was heading for a similarly close result as the Wallabies only led 10-6 at half-time.
But four second-half tries from fly-half Matt Giteau, lock Nathan Sharpe, flank Rocky Elsom and captain Stirling Mortlock gave the hosts a convincing win.
However, while Deans was pleased with the victory, he still sees areas on which to work on ahead of the forthcoming Tri-Nations.
"That was an improved performance. We sustained our attack for longer," he said.
"We made a few mistakes in the first half but showed a bit more patience in the second and were able to profit from that."
Captain Mortlock also believed the Wallabies put in an improved performance, but need to keep building on their game.
"We're playing a fairly new style of attack and defence and it's not going to happen straight away," the centre said.
"I think we did improve but the key is to keep moving forward and build on this."
Meanwhile, French coach Marc Lièvremont was pleased with the courage shown by his inexperienced team.
"It was never going to be a case where we ran over the Wallaby forwards," he said.
"But there is still some satisfaction because there was a lot of courage in defence. There are a lot of sore players in the dressing room right now."
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