The French navy has revelled in their proud history by storming over Australia in a patriotic Bastille Day rugby union match.
Swapping sailor hats for head gear, the Marine Nationale team defeated the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) "Breakers" in a game at Victoria Barracks in Sydney on Wednesday.
It is the second time the teams have gone head-to-head, in what is described as the sports biggest event on the RAN rugby calendar.
"I think the French [were] well and truly encouraged by their national day," Rear Admiral Mark Campbell told AAP.
Representing the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Campbell said such games offered a unique chance for Australia to build ties with international navies.
"It's a great opportunity to get the team together and play against a good opposition," he said.
"Team building and team spirit are very important."
The French team, which arrived in Australia on July 3, had spent the past two weeks preparing for the match, playing against the Tuggeranong Vikings in Canberra and Randwick Districts Rugby Club.
The manager of Marine Nationale, Lieutenant Commander Thierry Gaetan, said the game was a good way to end the team's trip to Australia.
"Playing on Bastille Day with the rugby stripe of our own colours, and the French Navy, means more than anything else," he told AAP through and interpreter.
Asked how the team and officials will celebrate the victory, the lieutenant said they're willing to improvise.
"There are plenty of opportunities in Sydney, I'm sure we'll work something out!"
Last year, the Australian team travelled to Paris to play in front of a crowd of naval personnel.
Marine Nationale hope to bring their female rugby union team to Australia for the international military competition next year.
The final score in Wednesday's match was 39-12.
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