French Flair Seals Victory in Paris Spectacle
France concluded their autumn international series in spectacular fashion, running in seven tries to defeat Australia 48-33 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France on Saturday. The victory ensured the Wallabies completed their first winless tour of Europe in 67 years, marking a disappointing farewell for outgoing coach Joe Schmidt.
Topsy-Turvy Battle Sees Momentum Swing
The match proved to be a classic see-saw affair, with France alternating between moments of attacking brilliance and costly disciplinary lapses that repeatedly allowed Australia back into the contest. The visitors, who will host the 2027 World Cup, stayed competitive throughout but ultimately faded in the final quarter.
France's try-scorers included the impressive Louis Bielle-Biarrey with a double, alongside Nicolas Depoortère (two), Julien Marchand, Maxime Lamothe, and Thomas Ramos. Ramos contributed 18 points with five conversions and a penalty to complement his own try. Australia responded through Matthew Faessler (two), Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen and Josh Nasser, with Tane Edmed adding four conversions.
Post-Match Reaction from Both Camps
France captain Grégory Alldritt expressed satisfaction with the result but acknowledged areas for improvement. "We're happy to finish with a big win today," said Alldritt. "In defence we need to work a bit, be a bit cleaner as well, less penalties against us. A few steps to work on."
Meanwhile, departing coach Joe Schmidt praised his team's resilience despite the defeat. "We're disappointed we didn't finish with the victory you would have loved to see," he admitted. "But the players have made a heck of an effort – 15 Tests in 22 weeks with the amount of travel we've had. I admire the way they've dusted themselves off and gone again."
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The Wallabies struck first when Matthew Faessler bundled over from close range following sustained early pressure. France responded immediately as Bielle-Biarrey created space for Depoortère to score the hosts' opening try.
The game continued to swing back and forth, with Bell touching down for Australia before Ramos levelled the scores at 12-12. The moment of individual brilliance came from Bielle-Biarrey, who chipped ahead and regathered before stepping inside the last defender for a spectacular solo effort.
Australia capitalised on a yellow card for Maxime Lucu to level before halftime through Faessler's second score. After the break, Depoortère's second try and a Ramos penalty established a 10-point lead for France, but Jorgensen's pace down the left wing brought Australia back within a point.
The decisive period came when Marchand touched down from a maul and Australia's Tom Hooper received a yellow card. France tightened their grip with Bielle-Biarrey's second score before Lamothe had the final word after Nasser's late consolation.
France's autumn campaign included a 32-17 defeat to world champions South Africa and a 34-21 victory over Fiji, while Australia suffered defeats to England, Italy and Ireland in addition to this loss.
