Wallabies face France with new lineup and focus on composure

By Brian Otieno — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Wallabies are set to face France in Brisbane this Saturday, following a narrow 31-33 loss to Ireland. This upcoming match is crucial for Australia, who have secured only one win in their last nine Tests. The team aims to move past a series of close defeats and cultivate a more decisive approach.

The challenge against France, the reigning Six Nations champions, is significant. While Les Bleus will be without winger Damian Penaud, they are reinforced by the return of nine players from the Top 14 final. France currently holds a three-match winning streak against Australia.

Squad Changes and Injury Concerns

Australia’s preparations have been impacted by injuries to key playmakers. Carter Gordon, who was a notable performer against Ireland, is sidelined with a calf strain and is also expected to miss the upcoming Test against Italy in Perth. With backup Ben Donaldson also injured, coach Joe Schmidt has called upon debutant Declan Meredith.

Meredith, at 27, has had a strong season for ACT Brumbies, contributing to upset victories over the Crusaders and Chiefs. He will be supported by club teammates Ryan Lonergan and Len Ikitau as he faces Bordeaux Bègles duo Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert.

Further changes include the absence of No. 8 Tom Hooper due to a shoulder injury. Nick Champion de Crespigny has been named as a reserve. Tom Wright returns at fullback, with Jock Campbell moving to the bench and Filipo Daugunu completing the matchday 23.

Hooper, a 23-cap Wallaby, expressed frustration about his shoulder injury, which has ruled him out of the Nations Championship Tests against France and Italy. He indicated that it is an ongoing issue requiring management. His playing commitments have been nearly year-round, moving from Exeter’s Premiership final loss to Northampton directly into Wallabies training.

Despite the demanding schedule, Hooper noted that his time at Exeter has enhanced his skills and perspective. He recently finalized his long-term playing future, extending his tenure at Exeter and securing a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds. He considered a return to the ACT Brumbies but found the prospect of a new environment in Queensland appealing.

Addressing Performance and Strategy

Despite winning various metrics against Ireland, such as carrying further and more often, beating more defenders, and making more clean breaks, Australia did not secure the win. The team also missed fewer tackles and won more turnovers, even stealing four Irish lineouts. However, issues with composure and discipline proved costly, with 12 penalties conceded, 11 in their own half, and a yellow card against debutant Lachie Shaw.

Kicking accuracy also played a role in the defeat, as Gordon missed two conversions and Donaldson missed two penalties, resulting in ten squandered points. In the last five years, the Wallabies have lost eight Tests by three points or fewer, indicating a need for a stronger finishing instinct.

Captain Harry Wilson has previously made bold decisions, opting for tries over draws against Argentina and Fiji, which proved successful. However, against Ireland, his decision to opt for kicks in the final 10 minutes did not yield the desired outcome.

The team needs a reliable sharp-shooter, similar to France’s Thomas Ramos. Ryan Lonergan, who achieved a 90% kick success rate at the end of the Super season, is a likely candidate. The Wallabies scored five tries against Ireland, earning them two consolation points on the Nations Championship ladder. The team will be wearing their Indigenous jerseys for Naidoc week, with players like Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii expected to create opportunities for speedsters Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, and Wright.

The path to victory for the Wallabies involves fast feet, cool heads, and a hard edge in their play.

Source: theguardian.com