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FWC on Sport Nation guideWallabies hit decade low in French comeback win
Murray Wenzel, AAP • July 11th, 2026 9:53 pm
France have stormed home after halftime to beat the Wallabies in Brisbane | Photo: AAP
France have piled on 30 consecutive points to run down the Wallabies, who wilted in Brisbane for a sixth-straight Test loss.
The back-to-back Six Nations champions gave up a 21-12 halftime lead at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday before hitting top gear in a 42-26 win that got messy for the hosts in the final 20 minutes.
It followed a two-point loss to world No. 3 Ireland a week ago, when they also led by 12 points, and marked Australia's first six-game losing streak in 10 years and ninth loss from their last 10 Tests.
Fraser McReight, as part of an inspired back row scored twice and saved another try in a brilliant first half, while fullback Tom Wright twice kicked 50-22s to give his side momentum.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Fraser McReight both scored first-half tries for the Wallabies | Photo: Jason O'Brien/AAP
The hosts pounced with two tries as former Brisbane club rugby junior Emmanuel Meafou, who scored the game's first five-pointer, was serving 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high shot.
Up 21-12, Australia showed pluck to turn around several French raids to begin the second half.
But, after captain Maxime Lucu slotted a penalty, the floodgates opened.
Wright was yellow-carded for a professional foul before Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored his second.
They crossed twice more with Wright off the field to effectively ice the game with almost 20 minutes still to play.
Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored a try in each half for Les Bleus at Suncorp Stadium | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Jeremy Williams ended the French run of points with a consolation try with four minutes remaining.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa was the Wallabies' first tryscorer, replacing concussed No. 2 Josh Nasser in just the third minute.
Debutant flyhalf Declan Meredith and halfback Ryan Lonergan were replaced just before the hour mark, but Jock Campbell - in an unfamiliar first-receiver role - and Tate McDermott failed to fire in a clunky conclusion.
Australia play Italy in Perth next Saturday in coach Joe Schmidt's final act before Les Kiss takes charge.
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