Wallabies end Europe tour winless after defeat to France

Australia again started strongly but faded after halftime, a pattern that has defined their tour. Coach Joe Schmidt, who will depart after next July, said his side simply "haven't finished games well enough."

France's victory was driven by a standout display from winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored twice, set up two more and brought his Test tally to 20 tries in 22 matches. His chip-and-chase try and two assists for Nicolas Depoortere swung momentum after Australia's early strikes.

The Wallabies opened brightly through Matt Faessler's quick try and later through Angus Bell and Max Jorgensen. Poor French discipline - eight first-half penalties - kept Australia level at 19-19 at the break despite tries from Ramos, Bielle-Biarrey and Depoortere.

A Thomas Ramos penalty and Depoortere's second try pushed France ahead, before Jorgensen briefly tightened the margin. But a Wallabies card and growing fatigue saw Les Bleus take control. Julien Marchand and Bielle-Biarrey crossed to stretch the lead, and although Josh Nasser scored late, Maxime Lamothe replied almost immediately.

The result secured France a top seed for the 2027 World Cup draw and capped their Nations Series on a high. Australia, meanwhile, return home from a winless four-match tour, having also fallen to Italy, England and Ireland.

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