France, a silver medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games, does not appear to be in very good shape heading into the battlefield in Lille for the group stage. However, anything can happen during next week's contest. 

Once again, Vincent Collet's disciples relied on Wemby's talent to counter the cohesive play of the Oceanic team. The extraterrestrial, who was flirting with a triple-double (17 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists), couldn't secure the victory.

The French '32' was especially inspired in the paint, once again showcasing his offensive synergy with Rudy Gobert. On the contrary, France's outside game faltered. Only Batum, with his hot hand (4-5 in 3PT shots), could support the French interior duo.

France started by pressing very well and contained the Australian guards' onslaughts as much as possible. Collet's guys managed to extend their lead to 6 points before halftime. The game was beautiful, with relentless support from the crowd that was momentarily silenced by Australia's three-pointers.

Australia's accuracy from outside allowed the Boomers to gradually cut into France's efforts to pull away on the scoreboard. The hosts continued to look solid on offense in the third quarter, but were met with certainty by the visitors. McVeigh made a clean shot at the buzzer, tying the game at 63 with a fourth quarter promising excitement.

And so it was. The last quarter was a genuine back-and-forth. The lead constantly alternated until time was running out, when Australia showed more decisiveness. It was thanks to the FIBA's backcourt duo of the moment, Giddey-Mills, who were simply outstanding. The duo combined for 44 points, and their drives into the French paint were like a hot knife through butter.

Dyson Daniels, who also had a great performance, ended up knocking out Les Bleus in the key moments. The young Hawks forward outplayed veteran De Colo on an inbound pass, easily breaking free to score a comfortable layup.

Defensive lapses and France's poor ball handling (22 turnovers) ultimately gave Australia the edge, which could have gone to either team due to the high level of both. With just a one-point deficit when the final buzzer sounded in Orleans, the locals, downcast, headed to the locker room, already thinking about how to fine-tune those small details for the Games.

The Boomers, meanwhile, have only one defeat in their friendly tour, and it was against the American 'Dream Team' in a wonderful clash that ended 98-92. With a great dynamic (5-1) and well-defined roles by coach Goorjian, the Oceanic team is undoubtedly one of the favorites to medal again after the bronze they won in 2020.

On the other hand, Collet's negative record, the worst since 2009 in a warm-up for an international competition, doesn't leave the French team too downhearted, as they have competed well in their commitments. "I'm not worried, we'll be ready in 6 days," Wembanyama warned after the defeat. Indeed, if they correct the small mistakes, there is no doubt they will also be strong contenders for the Olympic podium.

Australia, from Group A, will start their Olympic journey against Spain on 27 July, while the hosts will face Brazil, debuting in Group B, on the same day.