Australia's nightmare tour ends as France dominates with seven tries

France secured a thrilling victory over Australia in a match that saw both teams trade blows throughout, marking the Wallabies' first winless tour of Europe in 67 years. The game, played at the Stade de France, concluded with a final score of 48-33, and it also served as a farewell for Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies’ coach.

Les Bleus displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in broken play, scoring tries from Nicolas Depoortere (2), Louis Bielle-Biarrey (2), Julien Marchand, and Maxime Lamothe. Thomas Ramos contributed five conversions and a penalty to his own try, showcasing his kicking prowess. On the other side, Australia fought valiantly, with Matthew Faessler (2), Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen, and Josh Nasser scoring tries, while Tane Edmed added four conversions.

A Back-and-Forth Battle

The match was characterized by its unpredictable nature, with both teams struggling to maintain control. France's attacking flair was often matched by Australia’s resilience. The visitors, who will host the 2027 World Cup, stayed in the fight but ultimately faded in the final 20 minutes. The game was a testament to the high level of competition between two strong rugby nations.

Key Moments and Player Performances

Throughout the match, several key moments stood out. In the second half, France’s defense improved significantly after a halftime adjustment, according to Shaun Edwards, the French defense coach. He remarked, “Put it this way, the defences weren’t on top for both teams. We improved in the second half defensively after a chat at half-time but what a fantastic game. No one comes to watch defence!”

France captain Gregory Alldritt expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “Really proud of this team and really happy to get the win today.” He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in defense, and praised young players like Kalvin Gourgues, who made a significant impact in his debut.

Australia’s Scott Sio reflected on the loss, saying, “Tough way to go out not winning a game on the tour but a lot of endeavour there, you’ve got to take the positives.” He highlighted the crucial moment in the first 10 minutes after half-time when France scored, which shifted the momentum in their favor.

Australia's Struggles

Australia endured a difficult autumn, suffering defeats against England, Italy, and Ireland. Their loss to France marked their first winless tour of Europe in 67 years. The Wallabies have lost six of their last seven Test matches, which could see them drop out of the world’s top six ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw on December 3.

Despite their struggles, Australia showed glimpses of their potential. In the second half, they managed to cut the lead to eight points through a try by Josh Nasser. However, France’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities proved decisive.

Final Moments and Full-Time Score

As the clock ticked into the red, France sealed their victory with a try from Maxime Lamothe, extending their lead to 15 points. The final score of 48-33 was a fitting conclusion to an intense and competitive match.

Team Lineups and Pre-Match Context

Both teams entered the match with different objectives. France aimed to finish their autumn series on a high note, having previously defeated Fiji and narrowly beaten South Africa. Australia, on the other hand, was determined to avoid a winless tour and maintain their position in the world rankings.

France made three changes to their starting lineup, including the inclusion of Romain Fickou, Yoann Maestri, and Gaël Fickou. Australia, meanwhile, made five changes following their defeat against Ireland, with players such as Samu Kerevi and Ned Haig coming into the team.

Looking Ahead

With the autumn series now complete, both teams will turn their attention to the upcoming Six Nations tournament. For France, the focus will be on building on their recent performances and maintaining their position in the world rankings. For Australia, the challenge will be to regroup and improve their form ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.