France vs Australia Rugby: Final 2025 Autumn International at Stade de France
The France national rugby union team will face the Australian national rugby union team in a high-stakes finale at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:10 PM CET. This isn’t just another international fixture—it’s the last chance for both teams to salvage pride after a turbulent 2025 Autumn Internationals campaign. France, coming off a narrow 29-26 win over Fiji, wants to close the series on a high. Australia, reeling from a loss to Ireland and earlier defeats to England, needs more than points—it needs momentum.
Who’s Playing? Key Returns and Milestones
Fabien Galthié, France’s head coach, has made a bold call: Gael Fickou returns to the midfield after being rested, replacing the concussed Pierre-Louis Barassi. The surprise? 20-year-old Kalvin Gourgues could make his Test debut off the bench. That’s not just youth coming through—it’s a statement. France is testing its depth, even in a match that feels like a consolation. For Australia, Joe Schmidt is playing his hand with experience. Taniela Tupou and Dylan Pietsch return to the starting XV after missing the Ireland loss. But the real emotional weight falls on Angus Bell and Len Ikitau, who will each play their 50th Test match. Fifty caps. That’s a decade of sacrifice. For Bell, a lock who’s battled injuries and criticism; for Ikitau, a dynamic center who’s become one of Australia’s most consistent performers. This isn’t just a game—it’s a tribute.History Favors France—But Australia Has a Ghost
The numbers don’t lie. Since 2018, France has won six of the last eight meetings. Their last series win on home soil? 2022. But Australia’s last victory? July 2021—23-21 in Sydney. That’s the ghost haunting this match. Tom Hamilton, ESPN’s rugby correspondent, put it bluntly: “France has won most of their recent meetings including a series victory in France.” That’s the pressure on the Wallabies. They’re not just chasing a win—they’re chasing relevance. James While, senior editor at Rugby World, noted: “Australia’s last win was a fluke of weather, refereeing, and a last-minute penalty. This time, they’ve got no excuses.” And yet—this is rugby. One moment of brilliance, one turnover, one penalty call, and the script flips.How to Watch: Global Streaming Guide
If you’re in France, you’re in luck. TF1+, the free streaming arm of France Télévisions, will broadcast the match live with no subscription—just a French postcode. Yes, you read that right. Enter 93216 or 69150, create an account, and you’re in. Matt Elliott from TechRadar called it “one of the rarest gifts in global sports streaming.” Elsewhere, it’s paywall territory:- UK & Ireland: Discovery+ Premium (£30.99/month) or TNT Sports via Sky/BT/EE/Virgin
- Australia: Stan Sport ($20/month added to $12 base plan)
- USA: Peacock Premium ($10.99) or Premium Plus ($16.99)
- Canada: DAZN ($24.99/month)
- New Zealand: Sky Sport Now ($29.99/day, $54.99/month)
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
For Joe Schmidt, this is make-or-break. His tenure has been defined by rebuilding, but the 2025 Autumn Internationals have been a public reckoning. Losses to England and Ireland weren’t just defeats—they were signals. TechRadar’s analysis said it plainly: “Schmidt’s reputation is on the line.” A win here doesn’t erase the season, but it buys him time. For France, it’s about identity. They’ve been inconsistent—dominant against Fiji, crushed by South Africa. Are they a team of potential, or just chaos with a good scrum? Fabien Galthié is using this match to test his bench, to see who can handle pressure. That’s the real story: not the result, but the evolution. The Stade de France will be packed—80,698 seats, the roar of a crowd hungry for redemption. This isn’t a World Cup. It’s not even a Six Nations. But for the players, for the fans, for the coaches—it’s everything.What’s Next?
After this, both teams vanish into their domestic seasons. France heads into the Top 14 with renewed focus. Australia returns to Super Rugby Pacific, where the pressure to rebuild starts immediately. But this match? It’ll be replayed. It’ll be debated. It’ll be remembered as the moment one team found hope—and the other, finally, faced the truth.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch France vs Australia for free outside of France?
Only if you use a VPN to access TF1+ from within France. Services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are recommended by TechRadar and Tom’s Guide to bypass geo-blocks. However, using a VPN may violate terms of service for streaming platforms, and some services actively block known VPN IPs. There is no official free global stream.
Why is this match so important for Joe Schmidt’s coaching future?
Schmidt took over Australia after a disastrous 2023 World Cup and was expected to restore credibility. Losses to England and Ireland in 2025 have raised serious doubts. A win over France—especially at Stade de France—would signal progress. A loss, particularly by a large margin, could trigger immediate calls for his replacement before the 2027 World Cup cycle begins.
Has Australia ever won in France recently?
Not since 2018. Australia’s last win in France was a 23-21 victory in Paris in November 2018. Since then, they’ve lost five consecutive matches on French soil, including a 34-10 thrashing in 2022. Their only win in the last decade against France came in Sydney in July 2021, making this a rare opportunity to break a long streak.
Who is Kalvin Gourgues, and why is his potential debut significant?
Kalvin Gourgues, 20, plays center for Stade Toulousain and has been a standout in the French Pro D2 league. His selection for a potential Test debut reflects France’s push to integrate youth into their core. If he plays, he’ll be the youngest French center to start since 2017. His speed and defensive awareness could be key against Australia’s wide-running backline.
Why is TF1+ offering this match for free?
TF1+ is France Télévisions’ free streaming platform, funded by public broadcasting revenue and advertising. It’s part of France’s mandate to provide public access to major national events. This match, as the final Autumn International and a historic rivalry, qualifies as culturally significant. Unlike commercial broadcasters, they don’t need to monetize every view.
What’s the significance of Angus Bell and Len Ikitau reaching 50 caps?
Reaching 50 Test caps is a milestone only 12% of Wallabies players achieve. Bell, a lock, has overcome multiple shoulder surgeries; Ikitau, a center, has been a quiet force amid Australia’s offensive struggles. Their presence on the field symbolizes resilience. For Australia, this match is as much about honoring legacy as it is about winning.
About Author
Hi, I'm Trenton Beauchamp, a sports enthusiast with a passion for motorsports. I've dedicated my life to analyzing and understanding the intricacies of high-speed racing. As a writer, I love to share my knowledge and insights about the world of motorsports with my readers. I've had the opportunity to cover some of the most prestigious racing events worldwide. Through my writing, I strive to bring the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the race track to life for my audience.
