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Live EPL on Sport NationLebanon edge France in crazy World Cup golden point win
George Clarke, AAP •  November 1st, 2026 11:28 pm
Lebanon have beaten France in a World Cup thriller after Abbas Miski's (c) golden point try | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Lebanon have secured one of the craziest victories of recent Rugby League World Cup history in a drama-charged, golden-point 24-20 win over France.
With Lebanon leading 20-18 in both teams' final game of the tournament, Cedars captain Alex Twal and France prop Julian Bousquet were sent to the sin bin when tempers flared in the 77th minute on Sunday.
The tension ignited something in the French, who turned things up a notch as they went hunting for a late try at CommBank Stadium.
But Lebanon halfback Alex Conti struck a goal-line drop-out deep and his error of judgement gave France fullback Arthur Mourgue the time to sink a two-point field goal to level the scores and send the game to golden point.
France five-eighth Cesar Rouge kicked a field goal early into the first half of golden point, prompting French staff to storm the field in celebration.
But referee Liam Moore had yet to signal fulltime and the French were penalised for an obstruction on video review, leading to a restart.
And within the space of two minutes, France had victory snatched away.
French centre Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet was penalised for a shoulder charge roughly 50m out from his line.
Conti shanked the shot wide and - rather than run the ball dead - Mourgue tried a chip over the top of the Lebanon defensive line.
But Cedars forward Abbas Miski read the play, catching the ball and running in to score the winner to ensure Lebanon coach Michael Cheika goes out on a high before heading back to Super Rugby's NSW Waratahs.
Cheika is leaving the Cedars in good hands, especially if Canterbury playmaker Conti kicks on.
Conti scored the opening try, kicked four goals and set up Tony Francis and Michael Gabrael.
Abbas Miski and Leo Darrelatour came face-to-face in a hotly contested clash cellar dwellers | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Humiliated through their first two pool games in a 78-4 loss to Samoa and an 82-0 defeat to England, the French produced a far stronger showing.
Amir Bourouh and Aispuro-Bichet both crossed for Laurent Frayssinous' side.
Rouge's 71st minute try kept France within touching distance until Mourgue sent to the game to golden point.
But Mourgue quickly went from hero to villain as Miski picked off his chip and ran in the winning try for Lebanon.
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