Matt Giteau scored 20 points in a brilliant solo performance to lead Australia to a record 40-10 win over an under-strength France in the second test at Lang Park on Saturday.
The Wallaby flyhalf landed four conversions and four penalties and had a hand in each of Australia's four tries as the Wallabies chalked up their biggest win against the French since the countries first met in 1928.
Replacement back Ryan Cross scored two second half tries while wing Peter Hynes and lock James Horwill both scored in the first as Australia eclipsed their 35-12 win over France in the 1999 World Cup final in Cardiff.
France, who made wholesale changes to their side after losing last weekend's opening test in Sydney by 34-13, rarely threatened the Australians but managed a last-minute consolation try from flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc.
Australia, still adjusting to life under Robbie Deans, were more fluent and cohesive than in their two matches since the new coach took charge.
Their much-maligned forwards held their own against the French while their new-look backline finally clicked, with Giteau combining brilliantly with exciting new scrumhalf Luke Burgess.
The Wallabies did, however, pay a heavy price for their win, losing three more players to injury in their last run out before their opening Tri-Nations match against world champions South Africa in two weeks.
Reserve fullback Cameron Shepherd broke his left leg while Horwill (eye) and inside centre Berrick Barnes (shoulder) were both taken to hospital for examination.
The Wallabies made a flying start to the match, racing to a 10-0 lead inside the first seven minutes against a shellshocked French side missing most of their senior players, unavailable due to club commitments.
Giteau opened Australia's account with an early penalty then set up Hynes for his first test try with a pin-point crossfield kick to the unmarked winger.
The 25-year-old flyhalf kept the scoreboard ticking over with another three penalties as the French desperately tried to the hold the Australians out.
Their resistance finally gave way after half an hour when Giteau wriggled through an attempted tackle from Pierre Correia and found lock Horwill, who charged under the posts.
Trinh-Duc landed a penalty for France on the stroke of halftime after a wild punch-up erupted, forcing Horwill to leave the field with his right eye closed up.
Australia extended their lead in the second half when Cross charged over after running on to a long cutout pass from Giteau and scampered over in the right corner after combining with the flyhalf again.
The Wallabies squandered several chances to score again in a frantic final quarter that saw French replacement Benjamin Boyet sin-binned for a dangerous late tackle on Cross.
The visitors saved their best play for the last minute when fullback Benjamin Thierry burst down the left touchline and turned the ball inside for Trinh-Duc to score.
