Australia’s Wallaroos suffered a narrow 29-26 defeat to France in a Test match marked by unusual disruptions and intense on-field drama at Stade Maurice David in Aix-en-Provence on Saturday. Despite building a commanding 19-point lead and facing a French side repeatedly reduced by card sanctions, Australia was unable to maintain its advantage as France mounted a late comeback to secure the victory.
The match was significantly disrupted when the second half was delayed by a nearby bus fire, which produced smoke around the stadium and paused play. On the field, the French team endured a turbulent start, receiving one red card and three yellow cards within the first 20 minutes, including one yellow upgraded to a 20-minute red. At one point, France was down to just 11 players, yet the Wallaroos were unable to convert this advantage into a match-winning margin.
Australia seized early momentum, with tries from Brittany Merlo, Tania Naden, and Caitlyn Halse helping to establish a 19-0 lead. Merlo crossed for her second international try after 17 minutes, and Naden capitalized against an undermanned French side. However, France gradually clawed back, scoring three second-half tries despite further disciplinary issues that saw a sixth card issued against them.
Wallaroos coach Tim Walsh acknowledged both pride in his team’s effort and frustration over the result. He pointed to the French try scored with a full complement of players at halftime as a turning point, describing it as “unacceptable” and a shift in momentum. Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona echoed the sentiment, viewing the match as a valuable step forward in Australia’s ongoing development toward tier-one status ahead of the 2029 World Cup, stressing the need for continued improvement in game management.
Australia’s campaign was further complicated when Michaela Leonard received a yellow card in the second half, adding to the game’s chaotic flow. Despite early control, the Wallaroos conceded 17 unanswered points in the final quarter, culminating with tries from Elissia Riffonneau and Teani Feleu that sealed the comeback.
Australia’s other try scorers were Piper Duck, who opened the second half with a five-minute score after the delay, while France’s offensive resilience under pressure was pivotal in overcoming their numerical disadvantages. The Wallaroos will look to rebound against Scotland next weekend in Edinburgh, following their improved showing after last week’s defeat by England.
The match’s unusual circumstances and intense card situations underscored the unpredictable nature of international women’s rugby, highlighting discipline and composure as critical factors for future success.