Australia 26–42 France: match report & highlights

Jul 12, 2026

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Full-time: Australia 26 – 42 France

France dominated a thrilling Nations Championship encounter to secure a commanding victory over Australia. The visitors struck early through Emmanuel Meafou, setting the tone for an intense first half where both sides traded tries. Australia showed resilience with Fraser McReight crossing twice, but France maintained their edge through Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang's clinical finish. By the interval, Australia held a narrow advantage, yet the momentum was fragile as France's attacking intent continued to threaten.

The second half proved decisive as France unleashed a devastating assault. After Tom Wright's yellow card in the 50th minute, France capitalised with Grandidier-Nkanang crashing over again before Romain Ntamack powered through to extend their lead. Florian Verhaeghe added further tries as the French defence tightened around Australia's struggling pack. Theo Attissogbe's late effort sealed the result, though Jeremy Williams' consolation try proved merely academic as France's superior execution and tactical control proved too much for the hosts.

Key moments

77' 77' Try: Jeremy Williams (Australia) — Australia 26 – 42 France
70' 70' Try: Theo Attissogbe (France) — Australia 21 – 42 France
63' 63' Penalty: Maxime Lucu (France) — Australia 21 – 37 France
58' 58' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Australia 21 – 34 France
57' 57' Try: Florian Verhaeghe (France) — Australia 21 – 32 France
55' 55' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Australia 21 – 27 France
54' 54' Try: Romain Ntamack (France) — Australia 21 – 25 France
50' 50' Try: Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang (France) — Australia 21 – 20 France
46' 46' Penalty: Maxime Lucu (France) — Australia 21 – 15 France
35' 35' Conversion: Ryan Lonergan (Australia) — Australia 21 – 12 France
34' 34' Try: Fraser McReight (Australia) — Australia 19 – 12 France
28' 28' Conversion: Ryan Lonergan (Australia) — Australia 14 – 12 France
27' 27' Try: Fraser McReight (Australia) — Australia 12 – 12 France
18' 18' Try: Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang (France) — Australia 7 – 12 France
11' 11' Conversion: Ryan Lonergan (Australia) — Australia 7 – 7 France
10' 10' Try: Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Australia) — Australia 5 – 7 France
4' 4' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Australia 0 – 7 France
3' 3' Try: Emmanuel Meafou (France) — Australia 0 – 5 France

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Highlights

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