The Wallabies can’t stop France’s attack. So there’s only one way to beat them

July 11, 2026 — 9:30am

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Who would be a defence coach these days?

No one without a high tolerance for pain, especially when it comes to stopping teams such as France. The 32 points France scored against the All Blacks last week was the fewest they have scored all year.

They scored 36 against Ireland, 54 against Wales, 33 against Italy, 40 against Scotland and 48 against England. Les Bleus are averaging 40.5 points a game this year, and it doesn’t seem to matter who they pick in the backline.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is justifiably anxious about the damage that playmakers Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert could cause in Brisbane on Saturday, but France’s greatest weapon is how they are coached.

Take a look at the passing sequence that led to winger Theo Attissogbe’s try in the 58th minute against the All Blacks in Christchurch.

After a break down the left edge,........

© The Age