Australia lose to France after second-half collapse

Australia 26-42 France, Brisbane

Australia’s losing run stretched to six matches after they fell 42-26 to France in their Nations Championship clash in Brisbane.

The Wallabies led 21-12 at half-time after a strong first-half fightback, but France took control after the break with a sharp and clinical attacking display. The defeat continued Australia’s winless start to the competition and left Joe Schmidt facing a difficult final Test as national coach next week.

France Strike First In Brisbane

Both sides came into the match after narrow defeats the previous week, and the early tempo reflected that urgency.

Australia appeared to have made a bright start when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii produced what looked like a 50:22, but play was brought back for a high tackle. France used the penalty well, kicking deep into Wallabies territory before Emmanuel Meafou powered over from close range for the opening try.

Australia were also forced into an early change when hooker Josh Nasser left for a head injury assessment, bringing Brandon Paenga-Amosa into the match.

Paenga-Amosa made an immediate impact. He threw a clever short lineout, stayed involved as Australia drove towards the line, and then finished the move himself to level the score at 7-7.

McReight Double Puts Wallabies Ahead

Australia continued to make errors, and France punished them again. Romain Ntamack kicked into the left corner, where debutant fly-half Declan Meredith tried to shepherd the ball into touch. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang reacted brilliantly, stole in around the blind side and scored.

Emmanuel Meafou was shown a yellow card after his head made contact with Rob Valetini, and Australia made the extra man count.

From a tap-and-go and repeated close-range carries, Fraser McReight powered over to reduce the gap. Captain Harry Wilson then chose to kick for the corner in the 32nd minute. Josh Canham claimed the lineout, the Australian maul drove forward, and McReight scored his second try. Ryan Lonergan converted to give the Wallabies a 21-12 lead.

France Dominate Second Half

Australia’s lead disappeared quickly after the break. Maxime Lucu kicked a penalty before France struck again through Grandidier-Nkanang, who collected after Matthieu Jalibert kicked in behind the Australian defence.

France then went in front when Ntamack attacked the short side and beat Lonergan for pace to score. The visitors kept pressing, and a long counterattack involving Grandidier-Nkanang and Jalibert ended with Florian Verhaeghe crossing.

At 34-21 down, Australia were under heavy pressure. France looked to have another try through Théo Attissogbe, but it was ruled out for a forward pass. Lucu then kicked another penalty, leaving Australia needing 16 points in the final stages.

The Wallabies tried to launch a late comeback, but poor handling and loose passing ended their best chances. France closed out the match strongly to complete a convincing 42-26 victory.