France's national rugby team ended its autumn tour with a 48-33 win over Australia at Stade de France, scoring seven tries in an offensive display marred by defensive lapses. The victory secures the Blues' seeding status for the 2027 World Cup draw. Coach Fabien Galthié praised the positives while lamenting ongoing indiscipline.
The November 22, 2025, match at Stade de France, attended by 80,000 spectators, started with an Australian try by Matt Faessler after just 140 seconds, exploiting a shaky French defense. The Blues responded at the 9th minute with Nicolas Depoortere's try, assisted by Louis Bielle-Biarrey, leading 7-5. A back-and-forth ensued: Australia's Augus Bell try (21st, 7-12), followed by Thomas Ramos (25th, 12-12) and Bielle-Biarrey (30th, 19-12) for France.
French indiscipline proved costly, with eight penalties in the first half and a yellow card to Maxime Lucu (35th). After halftime, Ramos kicked a penalty (47th, 22-19), then Depoortere scored his second (52nd, 27-19). The Wallabies closed to within a point through Max Jorgensen (55th, 27-26), but Julien Marchand extended the lead (63rd, 34-26). Bielle-Biarrey added his double with a no-look pass from Kalvin Gourgues (72nd, 41-26), before Australia's Nasser try (76th, 41-33) and Maxime Lamothe's finish (79th, 48-33).
France scored seven tries to Australia's five but conceded 12 penalties and missed 22 tackles. In the post-match press conference, coach Fabien Galthié stated: « If I compare to four years ago, we are less strong », highlighting recurrent defensive lapses leading to excessive indiscipline. He nevertheless noted « enormously positive things », such as the 50 points scored, and the team remains calm with 17 matches before the World Cup. This win secures the key seeding for the December 3 draw in Sydney.
