France 48-33 Australia - Quilter Nations Series reaction as Nicolas Depoortere and Louis Bielle-Biarrey drive Les Bleus to big win

Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Nicholas Depoortere scored two tries each as France ended an underwhelming Quilter Nations Series with a 48-33 win over Australia.

The Wallabies, who were hoping to avoid a record 10th loss in 2025, started positively as Matt Faessler went over early on but Depoortere struck back soon after.

Australia could not make their dominance show in the opening stages as poor kicking and a lack of cutting edge in the France 22 meant they could not punish the shaky French defence, who took the lead once more through Bielle-Biarrey's fantastic solo try.

However, Faessler got his second score of the match just before half-time and Tane Edmed finally found his shooting boots to convert and ensure scores were level at the break.

France, buoyed by the return of Maxime Lucu, who missed five minutes either side of half time due to a yellow card, pressed forward and Depoortere got his second try of the match to extend their advantage to eight points.

Despite the pressure, Max Jorgensen sprinted away to score an individual try to reduce the deficit to just one point.

However a combination of tired Aussie bodies and Tom Hooper's yellow card allowed France to take back control and three tries in the final 15 minutes ensured a comfortable win.

It ends a disappointing Quilter Nations Series for the Wallabies, who failed to win a match for the first time since 1958, while France seal a top seed spot for next month's World Cup draw. 

Australia Head Coach Joe Schmidt speaking to TNT Sports: "The yellow card was tough. I thought we had a few opportunities that we earned but didn't take. We didn't get a lot of luck sometimes in the 22, at the same time we missed a couple of set pieces, and I felt that their set piece, particularly their diving lineout, made things pretty tough for us.

"I think this will actually stand to them, next year and the year beyond. I really do. I think it'll be tough to take at the moment. We're all pretty disappointed because we know how much support we've had from home, and we were desperate tonight to give them something to cheer about. I hope they saw some promise and the effort, even if the execution wasn't quite there.

"We'll try to tidy up our set piece stuff because they're massive access points and you've got to be really accurate with those. I felt we just went a bit flat in the second half.

"Defensively, they're so quick to strike the French. I felt that we needed to connect up a little bit quicker to try to shut down their threatening men, like Bielle-Biarrey, who got away a couple of times. He is red-hot when he gets space."

France defence coach Shaun Edwards speaking to TNT Sports: "Put it this way, the defences weren't on top for both teams. I think we improved in the second half defensively after a chat at half-time, but what a fantastic game. Well refereed as well, I thought. It's what the fans want. No one comes to watch defence, do they?

"Well, regularly we have less possession on our opponents, but it's something that we're working on because we know when we do get field position, we have some big powerful athletes, and we have a big maul as well.

On training younger players and Kalvin Gourgues: "A privilege, really. I tried to help him with his defence this week and he did pretty good when he came. I thought we improved in the second half, but no one comes to watch defence. You saw that break at the end and his pass to Bielle-Biarrey, it was just poetry in motion wasn't it?"

On Six Nations preparation: "It's very difficult to be honest. We'll only have seven days of preparation because all of our teams play in Sunday in the Champions Cup before the Six Nations. We only get to start training really on Wednesday. But hopefully a performance like that today, which was fantastic to watch, will help put us in good stead."

France captain Gregory Alldritt speaking to TNT Sports: "Really proud of the team and really happy to get the win today. For sure we've got some work for the Six Nations, but we knew it was the last game, so happy to get a big win today.

"The effort in defence, we need to work a bit. We need to be cleaner, less penalties. A few things to work on for the Six Nations, but happy tonight.

On Kalvin Gourgues's debut: "Wow, Kalvin's first game today, and he had a perfect clean break and offered a try to Louis. They play regularly in Top 14, they're ready for Test match, and they proved it."

Kayser on Louis Bielle-Biarrey: "He was barely 20 years old when he was taken out of the Rugby World Cup U-20s to go to be put in the French squad and everybody thought Fabien Galthie was losing the plot.

"But now, how can we play without him? He's got gas for days. He's an electric scooter on his own. He's just an electric player.

"This passage of play, gassing people, putting it on the boot and then stepping whilst catching it at pace. I don't think there's anyone better, and the only competition is Cheslin Kolbe or Bryan Habana in the good old days."

On Kalvin Gourgues: "He's got the gas, the audacity, but the ability to pass that 25-metre right-hand pass without taking his foot off the gas, and still be accurate, is a special piece of skill.

"I'll be honest, I did not know who he was in August. Since he's played eight or 10 games of Top 10, everybody knows him. Has left his business card on everybody's shorts.

"He reminds me of Wesley Fofana, who I was lucky enough to play with in the French team and Claremont. Unbelievable gas, great flair, superb talent, and can play 12 or 13.

"I think they're going to move him to 12 a lot more since that jersey seems to suit him quite nicely."

Nicolas Depoortere took the player of the match award tonight, and this try looked like a key moment to help France stretch their lead in the second half and build up a cushion that the Wallabies couldn't overturn.

Former French international Ben Kayser on TNT Sports: "The Wallabies came with a lot of intentions, a lot of intent, a lot of pace, a lot of accuracy.

"Is there much to be improved on in the French performance? Absolutely. Over the last couple of weeks, over the summer, over this first half in particular and bits of the second half, that's without a shadow of a doubt.
"But now, I'll try to be completely two-faced and only focus on the positives. I've only seen 20 minutes of international rugby from Kalvin Gourgues, but I can't wait for the next 80 minutes.

"I can't wait to see more of Depoortere. We have tons of 13s, we don't have many 12s, but now we see that combination.

"I don't want to take anything away from my mate Gael Fickou, but that combination of youngsters, they look like rockstars. I can't wait to see more."

Australia were under the cosh for most of that second half, but Max Jorgensen gave them hope with this sensational try to reduce the deficit to just one point.

All over!

The scoreline perhaps flatters France a little, as Australia ran them close for most of the match, but Les Bleus finished strongly and Australia will head home without a win in the Quilter Nations Series.

The win also cements France's top-six spot and so a favourable seeding for next month's World Cup draw.

Australia still need two scores in three minutes and France have the ball. They should be able to see this out.

Depoortere has been awarded player of the match for his two tries. France go to the corner with their penalty.

The maul makes its way forward and Maxime Lamothe is the man to carry it over!

Here is the scrum and Australia go for the quick tap and Josh Nasser goes over!

Too easy, but there is still something in this game!

The lad who got the assist, Kalvin Gourgues, had come on ten minutes ago for his debut. Fantastic work from him to create that try and the Toulouse inside centre is certainly one to watch for the future.

Australia are back into the 22. Kalani Thomas is on for his debut as Ikitau gets close.

France intercept but the whistle goes for the advantage. Depoortere doesn't hear that and sprints the entire length of the pitch before realising his try won't count!

There is a check for a head-on-head collision but nothing is given. The snow comes down more thickly.

Australia are back in the red zone and are giving this absolutely everything.

But France counter! They glide through and who else but Bielle-Biarrey to touch down!

All Australia can do now is try and hang on for the next 10 minutes and push hard in the final five with Hooper back on the pitch.

The Wallabies are on the front foot though but can't find a way through the stubborn French defence.

Snow is falling on the Stade de France now. Australia are inches from the line but Valetini fumbles!

Now France can pour forward but they make a forward pass and that is a squandered opportunity from both sides!

The crowd are up again. France win another penalty.

Their maul is just too strong. Fickou and Lucu join the maul and it drives forward before Marchand touches down!

Worse for Australia, Tom Hooper has picked up a yellow card in the build-up and this could be a huge turning point in the game.

The bad news for the Wallabies is that Bell has had to limp off. He is replaced by Aidan Ross. Filipo Daugunu also replaces Suaalii.

This match looked set to be a tight one and it has certainly delivered. France still look fresher and they prove this as a maul moves into Australia's 22 and wins a penalty.

They kick into touch.

Now Australia are starting to look tired. France force the Wallabies back once more.

Can Rob Valetini liven things up? He comes on for Harry Wilson and is straight into the wars but France continue to push forward.

But Jorgensen intercepts. He is so quick and scampers away but the blue shirts are closing him down!

Just as it looks like he is going to be brought down, he bobbles a kick into the zone and pounces on it first!

Boos echo round the Stade de France as Suaalii concedes a penalty for a knock-on. The fans want a harsher punishment for that.

The hosts are in charge of this half so far. But a big tackle by Faessler regains control for the Wallabies. He has been fantastic.

But Ramos intercepts and charges forward. And France win a penalty!

They take it quickly and Thibaud Flament carries into the 22.

Surely it is a matter of time now. And there it is! For the second time this match, Bielle-Biarrey offloads to Depoortere to extend the lead.

Les Bleus are clearly buoyed by Lucu's return to the field. They win a penalty and Ramos will go for the points.

It should be straightforward and it is! France lead.

France start the half with 14 for a few minutes as Lucu is still on the naughty step. Australia have brought Allan Alaalatoa on for Tupou at half-time too.

Australia waste a good line-out as they don't throw it straight. This half is just as scrappy as the last so far, but France have survived the period with a player down.