Centre Michael Jennings scored a hat-trick of tries on debut as Australia turned on the style in Paris to beat France 42-4 and secure their place in the Gillette Four Nations final.

Josh Morris, Australia's other debutant, scored twice - while twin brother Brett also grabbed two to take his total to four in just three appearances - as the Kangaroos, who led only 8-0 at half-time, cut loose after the break.

France were once more competitive in the first half - but after conceding 30 points in the second half to England and 46 to New Zealand, they again faded badly.

Australia made seven changes to the side that beat England and were made to work for their interval lead.

Inspired by the creativity of stand-off Thomas Bosc and Australia-born full-back Clint Greenshields, the French caused all sorts of problems without being able to finish off their promising moves.

Man of the match Jennings, who switched his allegiance after starring for Tonga in the World Cup, scored the game's first try - taking a pass from captain Darren Lockyer and slicing through the heart of the French defence.

The 21-year-old Penrith three-quarter took another Lockyer pass to grab his second on 26 minutes, but Johnathan Thurston was wide with both conversion attempts.

Any hope of a French fightback was extinguished within 90 seconds of the re-start when substitute second rower Luke Lewis scored his first try for his country.

Winger Brett Morris then maintained his record of scoring in every Test match by touching down twice in six minutes, and full-back Kurt Gidley kicked two goals to stretch his side's lead to 24-0.

Morris was denied a hat-trick by the video referee, but Jennings completed his treble on 55 minutes when he scooped up a loose ball 80 metres from the line and showed a clean pair of heels to the pursuers.

France grabbed a consolation when captain Olivier Elima collected Bosc's high kick to touch down. But Josh Morris completed the rout with the last two tries, and Thurston kicked three conversions.