World Rally Championship leader Sebastien Ogier grabbed the overall lead on Friday's last stage to hold the early advantage in Rally Australia.

The Frenchman overhauled Jari-Matti Latvala in the final short special stage to lead the Finn with Norway's Andreas Mikkelsen in third — all of them driving a Volkswagen Polo R.

Ogier trailed Citroen's Kris Meeke after six stages in the forests outside Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales north coast, but he pushed hard around the wet, treacherous, concrete-lined Super Special spectator stage to claim the win.

Ogier's victory put him at the top of the overall Rally Australia standings, relegating Britain's Meeke to fourth spot.