France mounted a stunning second-half comeback, scoring 30 consecutive points to defeat Australia 42-26 in a Nations Championship rugby international in Brisbane on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
First-half struggles
Australia dominated the opening 40 minutes, building a 20-6 lead thanks to tries from Declan Meredith and others. The Wallabies' aggressive defense and quick ball movement exposed gaps in the French line, leaving the visitors trailing by 14 points at halftime.
France's Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored a try in the tackle of Australia's Declan Meredith during the match, as captured by AP Photo/Tertius Pickard.
Second-half turnaround
The French team emerged from the break with renewed energy, immediately putting pressure on the Australian defense. Grandidier-Nkanang's try sparked the rally, and France added four more tries without reply to seize control of the game.
According to match statistics, France's 30-point blitz included three converted tries and a penalty goal, completely flipping the momentum. Australia failed to score again until the 78th minute, when they added a consolation try to make the final score 42-26.
Impact on the standings
The victory strengthens France's position in the Nations Championship, showcasing their depth and resilience against a formidable Australian side. The loss drops Australia to a 2-3 record in the tournament, while France improves to 4-1.
France's ability to erase a 14-point deficit demonstrates their championship pedigree as they continue their preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
