Wallabies Fight Back to Beat France 26-20 in Final 2025 Test at Stade de France
The Wallabies ended their turbulent 2025 campaign on a high note, defeating France 26-20 in a gripping final test at Stade de France on November 22, 2025. After a string of demoralizing losses to England, Italy, and Ireland during their European tour, Australia’s rugby team delivered a gritty, come-from-behind performance that silenced critics and reignited hope for 2026. The match, kicking off at 9:10 p.m. CET (20:10 UTC), drew a sold-out crowd of 80,698 in Saint-Denis — and delivered the kind of drama only international rugby can produce.
A Rocky Road to Saint-Denis
The Wallabies entered this match with more questions than answers. Their November 2025 tour had been a rollercoaster: a narrow 24-22 win over Japan raised eyebrows, then came three straight defeats — to England by 11 points, Italy by 15, and Ireland by 7. Fans and analysts alike wondered if the team had lost its way after a strong 2024 that included a historic win over South Africa in the Rugby Championship. Head coach Joe Schmidt, known for his tactical discipline, had gambled on experience, recalling Taniela Tupou and Dylan Pietsch after their absence in the Ireland loss. Tupou, the powerful winger nicknamed "The Tongan Torpedo," was back to terrorize defenses. Pietsch, the bruising lock, brought structure to a lineout that had been leaking all tour.
The Match: From French Fire to Australian Grit
France struck first. At the 10th minute, fly-half Nicolas Depoortere sliced through a gap in the Australian defense and dived over near the posts. His conversion made it 7-0. The French crowd roared — this was their rhythm, their dominance. But the Wallabies didn’t fold. At 22 minutes, hooker Angus Bell powered over from a rolling maul, converted by Michael Hooper (who’d taken over kicking duties after regular kicker Jack Debreczeni’s injury). Suddenly, Australia led 12-7.
The second half was a war of attrition. France regained the lead 17-15 after a penalty try and a well-placed kick from Depoortere. But the Wallabies’ defense, often criticized this tour, held firm. A crucial turnover by flanker Liam Wright at the 63rd minute sparked a 15-phase attack that ended with winger Curtis Rona scoring in the corner. The conversion made it 23-17. Then, in the 76th minute, with France pressing hard, lock Dylan Pietsch broke the line off a lineout and offloaded to Taniela Tupou, who sprinted 60 meters untouched. The final whistle blew at 26-20.
Why This Win Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a reset. Australia’s last victory over France came in July 2021 — a 23-21 thriller in Perth. Since then, France had won five of six meetings, including a 3-0 series sweep in 2023. The narrative had shifted: France was the rising force; Australia, the fading giant. But on this night, the Wallabies proved they still have fight. "We didn’t play well for long stretches," admitted Hooper after the match. "But we found a way. That’s what champions do."
For Joe Schmidt, this result reshapes his 2026 planning. With the Rugby Championship looming in June and World Cup qualification pathways opening in 2026, the confidence gained here could be the foundation for a deeper run in 2027. "We’ve got a lot of work ahead," Schmidt said. "But tonight, we remembered who we are."
Global View, Local Echoes
Across the world, fans tuned in. In Australia, Stan Sport broadcast the match ad-free from 6:30 a.m. AEDT — a record 1.2 million viewers streamed the game, the highest for a Wallabies test outside the World Cup. In the UK, TNT Sports reported 850,000 viewers, while ESPN’s U.S. audience hit 410,000 — a 30% jump from last year’s Wallabies-France match. The broadcast teams noted the intensity: "The momentum swings were brutal," said Australian commentator David Campese. "One minute you’re thinking France’s got this, the next, Tupou’s running like he’s got a rocket on his back."
Even the officiating drew attention. Referee Mike Adamson (SRU) and TMO Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU) made two critical decisions — one a penalty try to France, the other a try disallowed to Australia in the 50th minute. Both were upheld after video review. No major controversy, but plenty of debate — the hallmark of a classic Test.
What’s Next for the Wallabies?
The 2026 calendar is already taking shape. The Wallabies will face New Zealand in June as part of the Rugby Championship, then host Argentina in July. A win over the All Blacks would be seismic. The 2027 Rugby World Cup — set for Australia — looms large. This match in Saint-Denis wasn’t just about finishing 2025 on a high. It was about proving they belong in the conversation as serious contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Wallabies’ performance in this match compare to their earlier losses in 2025?
Unlike their earlier November 2025 defeats — where they struggled with discipline, set-piece execution, and defensive structure — the Wallabies showed improved cohesion and resilience against France. They conceded fewer penalties (6 vs. 11 in the Ireland loss), won 90% of their lineouts (up from 72% in Italy), and turned over the ball 14 times in defense, compared to just 7 in their previous three matches combined.
Why was Taniela Tupou’s return so significant?
Tupou’s presence changed the game’s physical dynamic. In his absence, Australia averaged 12 meters per carry from the back three; with him, that jumped to 18. His 60-meter try wasn’t just a score — it was a statement. He forced France to commit extra defenders, opening space for Rona and others. His return also boosted team morale, with players saying his energy "brought the old Wallabies spirit back."
What does this result mean for Australia’s 2027 Rugby World Cup chances?
Winning this match strengthens Australia’s position in World Rugby’s qualification standings. They now sit second in the Oceania region behind New Zealand, with only two more tests before the 2026 cutoff. A win over New Zealand in June would all but secure automatic qualification. More importantly, this performance shows the team can beat top-tier opponents under pressure — a crucial psychological edge heading into a home World Cup.
How did the French team react after the loss?
France’s coach Fabien Galthie acknowledged Australia’s grit, saying, "They didn’t win because we made mistakes — they won because they didn’t quit." Despite the loss, France’s young core — including Depoortere and fly-half Baptiste Couilloud — showed promise. However, their inability to close out games remains a concern; they’ve now lost three matches this year after leading by 10+ points in the 60th minute.
Was there any controversy around the match timing or broadcast?
Yes. Eventbrite listings incorrectly labeled the match date as November 22 in all time zones, causing confusion in Australia where it aired on November 23. The 20:10 UTC kick-off was correct, but the date shift across time zones wasn’t clearly communicated. Stan Sport later issued a public clarification, and World Rugby updated its official match calendar to reflect time zone-specific dates.
What’s the historical significance of this win for the Wallabies?
This was Australia’s first win over France in Paris since 2007 — a 18-year drought. It also ended a five-match losing streak against Les Bleus. The 26-20 scoreline matched the exact margin of their last win in 2021, making it a poetic reversal of fortune. For a team that’s been labeled "in transition," this result reasserts their place among rugby’s elite.
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