France end Wallabies' winless tour as Australia hit historic low

France end Wallabies' winless tour as Australia hit historic low

The Wallabies again started strongly but faded after halftime, a pattern that has defined their tour. Coach Joe Schmidt, who will depart after next July, said his side simply "haven't finished games well enough."

France's victory was driven by a standout display from winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored twice, set up two more and brought his Test tally to 20 tries in 22 matches. His chip-and-chase try and two assists for Nicolas Depoortere swung momentum after Australia's early strikes.

The Wallabies opened brightly through Matt Faessler's quick try and later through Angus Bell and Max Jorgensen. Poor French discipline - eight first-half penalties - kept Australia level at 19–19 at the break despite tries from Ramos, Bielle-Biarrey and Depoortere.

A Thomas Ramos penalty and Depoortere's second try pushed France ahead, before Jorgensen briefly tightened the margin. But a Wallabies card and growing fatigue saw Les Bleus take control. Julien Marchand and Bielle-Biarrey crossed to stretch the lead, and although Josh Nasser scored late, Maxime Lamothe replied almost immediately.

The result secured France a top seed for the 2027 World Cup draw and capped their Nations Series on a high. Australia, meanwhile, return home from a winless four-match tour, having also fallen to Italy, England and Ireland.

Related News

Shilton van Wyk double sends Blitzboks into Cape Town Sevens final

Shilton van Wyk double sends Blitzboks into Cape Town Sevens final

  • 15 hours ago

The Springbok Sevens side is one match away from defending their Cape Town Sevens title after defeating France in the semifinals on Sunday.

England given testing group as 2026 World Cup draw finalises global picture

England given testing group as 2026 World Cup draw finalises global picture

  • 1 day ago

England will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup grouped with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, as the expanded 48-team tournament begins to take shape following Friday evening's draw.

Wallabies skipper wants All Blacks for Rugby World Cup opener

Wallabies skipper wants All Blacks for Rugby World Cup opener

  • 4 days ago

Australia captain Harry Wilson is keen to face New Zealand in the 2027 Rugby World Cup opening match.

Major hurdles await for Springboks in 2027 Rugby World Cup

Major hurdles await for Springboks in 2027 Rugby World Cup

  • 4 days ago

The Springboks have their work cut out if they want to win an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.