The France national rugby union team will welcome the Australia national rugby union team in a high-stakes clash on the Autumn Nations Series 2025Stade de France on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at 21:10 CET. For fans in Los Angeles, that’s 12:10 PM Pacific Time — a rare midday kickoff for U.S. viewers, meaning many will be tuning in during lunch breaks or after school. This isn’t just another international fixture. It’s a chance for France to reassert dominance on home soil after a shaky 2024 campaign, and for Australia to prove they’ve turned a corner under new head coach Joe Schmidt. The stakes? Momentum heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
France hasn’t beaten Australia in Paris since 2018 — a six-match losing streak that’s become a psychological barrier. Meanwhile, the Wallabies have struggled to find consistency abroad, particularly in Europe. This game could be the turning point for both teams. France’s backline, if fully fit, boasts explosive talent like Antoine Dupont and Damian Penaud. But injuries have plagued their squad. Australia, meanwhile, has been rebuilding with young players from Super Rugby Pacific, and their forward pack is suddenly one of the most physical in the southern hemisphere. The match isn’t just about pride — it’s a litmus test for coaching strategies and player development.
The Officials: A Global Panel on the Pitch
World Rugby has assembled an experienced officiating team for this fixture. Luke Pearce, the English referee known for his calm authority and precise decision-making, will take charge. He’s officiated two Rugby World Cup matches and the 2023 Six Nations finale. Joining him are assistant referees Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Craig Evans (Wales), both seasoned international officials. The Television Match Official is Marius van der Westhuizen from South Africa — a former player turned TMO with a reputation for spotting offside lines with uncanny accuracy. Completing the panel is Mike Adamson, the Foul Play Review Officer from Scotland, whose calm demeanor has made him a trusted figure in high-pressure moments.
The Venue: Stade de France — A Stage for Rugby’s Biggest Moments
Located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, the Stade de France holds over 80,000 fans and has hosted two Rugby World Cup finals (1999 and 2007), a World Cup final in football (1998), and multiple Six Nations deciders. It’s a cathedral of sport, where the roar of the crowd can shake the stands. The stadium’s artificial turf, installed in 2023, has drawn mixed reactions — some say it speeds up play, others argue it increases injury risk. Either way, it’s where France wants to be dominant. The last time Australia won here, the Wallabies had George Gregan and Stephen Larkham in their prime. Now, the next generation must rise.
What’s Missing — And Why It Matters
The official World Rugby beta page lists the match but leaves critical details blank: no starting XV, no substitutes, no injury reports. That’s unusual. Normally, teams announce squads 48–72 hours before kickoff. The absence suggests either internal delays, or — more likely — a strategic decision to keep tactics under wraps. France’s coach Fabien Galthié is known for his secrecy. Australia’s Schmidt is even more guarded. This silence isn’t oversight; it’s psychological warfare. Meanwhile, the lack of broadcast details or ticket sales info hints that this fixture may still be in early planning stages, despite the fixed date.
What Comes Next? The Bigger Picture
This match is one of five in France’s 2025 Autumn Nations Series slate, which includes Wales, Argentina, and Japan. For Australia, it’s part of a three-match European tour that could also include Ireland and England. The results here will heavily influence world rankings — and, crucially, World Cup seeding. A win for France could vault them back into the top three. A surprise win for Australia? That would send shockwaves through the rugby world. Neither team has qualified for the 2027 World Cup yet — but performances like this shape perceptions. Coaches watch. Scouts watch. Fans watch. And the pressure? It’s mounting.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Built on Grit
Franco-Australian rugby clashes are never pretty. They’re brutal, physical, and often decided by a single moment. The two teams have met 42 times since 1977. France holds a narrow 23–18 edge, with one draw. But in the last decade, Australia has held the upper hand — winning six of the last eight meetings. Their last encounter, in 2022 in Perth, ended 30–29 to Australia after a last-minute try. France’s last win? A 31–29 thriller in 2018 at the Stade de France, when Matthieu Jalibert kicked the winning penalty. That game lasted 82 minutes of non-stop tension. Expect more of the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect France’s World Cup chances?
A win over Australia would significantly boost France’s world ranking, potentially pushing them into the top three — critical for favorable World Cup pool draws in 2027. Losing could mean a lower seed, forcing them into a tougher group with New Zealand or South Africa. France’s coaching staff sees this as a must-win to regain credibility after a poor 2024 Six Nations.
Why are the player lineups still unknown?
The absence of named players on the World Rugby beta page is intentional. Coaches often delay announcements to protect tactics and manage injury risks. France’s squad is still recovering from key injuries in the Top 14 season, and Australia is evaluating young talent from Super Rugby. Expect full lineups to be revealed around November 18–19, just days before kickoff.
Can U.S. fans watch this match live?
Yes — while broadcast partners haven’t been confirmed yet, NBC Sports and Peacock typically hold U.S. rights to Autumn Nations Series matches. In 2024, over 1.2 million U.S. viewers tuned in for France vs. Australia. This game, with its 12:10 PM Pacific kickoff, is ideal for daytime viewing and likely to draw record numbers, especially among younger fans drawn to France’s attacking style.
What’s the significance of Luke Pearce refereeing this match?
Pearce is one of the few referees trusted to handle high-intensity, high-stakes matches between top-tier nations. He’s known for strict enforcement of the breakdown and minimal interference — exactly what this game needs. With both teams likely to play physically, his consistency will be vital. His presence signals World Rugby’s confidence in the match’s importance — he’s not just assigned; he’s chosen.
