The three (pointed) reasons why Wallabies botched chance to prosper in Paris

3 months ago 19

Opinion

November 24, 2025 — 5.45am

Take the three points! A spirited Wallabies performance against France unravelled after they failed to follow that path in Paris.

Trailing 34-26 with about 12 minutes to go, the Wallabies opted not to take the easy three points on offer, instead kicking for touch despite lineout issues for a second week in a row.

While they did win the set piece, they knocked on close to the French line in the frigid conditions, and the French were next to score through the brilliant Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

It was a maddening decision, as the Wallabies still had enough time to win the Test and were clearly building momentum thanks to a superb burst of energy from the bench. This was a lost chance to secure a great win in France.

A familiar result but a better performance

If there is some consolation to be taken at the end of a winless tour, it is that the Wallabies’ attack functioned much better against France, and they were far more competitive under the high ball. Inspired yet again by another superb performance from Len Ikitau, the Wallabies had no issue getting over the gain line and they found holes through their short-passing game.

Taniela Tupou’s first-half performance was another positive, while Josh Nasser was the pick of a strong bench effort. However, there is still a lot of learning required in how to build scoreboard pressure.

Video is killing the game

The 47th-minute penalty against Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for contesting a restart was a classic example of how rugby is getting it badly wrong. There was no need to re-examine the incident – Suaalii had eyes for the ball only and had actually left the ground in a legitimate contest with Gael Fickou.

But Test rugby is now being officiated in a way that is killing spontaneity and enjoyment. It is difficult to savour a try any more; instantly, fans start listening to the referee’s conversation with the TMOs to hear if they’ve found an infraction.

France celebrate Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s try in another missed opportunity for Australia.

Every Test played this weekend was plagued by refereeing teams poring over video replays. Game flow in international rugby has gone out the window – and there still isn’t consistency in decision-making when it comes to high contact.

Dear France, you need to start touring

Les Bleus are a shadow of the side that won the Six Nations earlier this year. Although they have some fantastic individuals, they have collectively lacked discipline during the past few weeks and they have been guilty of going missing for significant periods during Tests.

You have to wonder whether their policy of sending under-strength sides for their July Tests in the Southern Hemisphere is helping or hurting them.

They have legitimate player welfare concerns due to the duration of the Top 14 season, but at present, their model does seem weighted heavily towards the clubs and not the national team. Everyone in Australia would love to see Antoine Dupont and Co head south next July for the Nations Championship Test – but the biggest winners could be the French themselves.

Nations Championship fixture boost for Australia?

The Wallabies’ Tests against France, Ireland and Italy might not be the only Nations Championship fixtures in Australia next year.

The Herald understands the Irish have effectively told their Japanese counterparts they don’t want to play in Japan in July and they have suggested the east coast of Australia as the location for Japan’s “home” fixture.

This is due to player welfare concerns and the fact they would otherwise have to play in Japan, Australia and New Zealand in consecutive weeks. Tellingly, while the Nations Championship fixtures were released this week, the details about locations and venues are still not confirmed.

Irish expats in Australia could be in for some good news if Japan agrees to either the east coast or Perth.