Wallabies Hunt Redemption in Brisbane
The Australian Wallabies return to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, July 11, 2026, desperate to recalibrate their international campaign. Following a bitter 33-31 defeat to Ireland in their season opener, the hosts face a French side equally hungry for a turnaround after their own narrow loss to New Zealand.
Schmidt’s Starting XV Takes Shape
Harry Wilson will captain the side from the back row, flanked by Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini. The tight five features Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, and Angus Bell. In the backline, Tom Wright takes the fullback spot, joined by Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, and Dylan Pietsch, with Declan Meredith and Ryan Lonergan forming the halves pairing.
Les Bleus’ Tactical Response
France, under the command of captain Maxime Lucu, arrives in Queensland with a formidable squad. Matthieu Jalibert is set to start at fullback, supported by a backline featuring Theo Attissogbe, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Yoram Moefana, and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, with Romain Ntamack orchestrating at fly-half. The French forwards include a front row of Demba Bamba, Peato Mauvaka, and Moses Alo-Emile, with locks Emmanuel Meafou and Florian Verhaeghe and a back row of Marko Gazzotti, Oscar Jegou, and Lenni Nouchi.
Broadcast Details for the Brisbane Test
The Test match kicks off at 5:40 pm AEST. Fans can access live coverage through Stan Sport beginning at 4:30 pm AEST, with the match also available on free-to-air television via 9Go.
The Road to the Nations Championship
This fixture is a critical chapter in an expanded international calendar. Australia’s path continues with a July 18 clash against Italy in Perth, followed by a two-Test series against Japan in August. The season remains packed with high-stakes encounters against Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Wales, all building toward the Nations Championship Finals in late November.
Tournament Schedule: July 11–12
The second weekend of the tournament features a full slate of matches:
- New Zealand vs. Italy: Hnry Stadium, Wellington, July 11 (3:10 pm)
- Australia vs. France: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, July 11 (5:40 pm)
- Japan vs. Ireland: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, July 11 (8:10 pm)
- Fiji vs. England: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, July 11 (11:10 pm)
- South Africa vs. Scotland: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, July 12 (1:40 am)
- Argentina vs. Wales: Estadio Bicentenario, San Juan, July 12 (5:10 am)