Former Albany Creek Brumbies junior Fraser McReight produced one of Australia’s best performances, scoring twice before halftime as the Wallabies fell 42-26 to France at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The Queensland Reds flanker played a leading role in Australia’s strongest period of the match, helping turn an early deficit into a 21-12 halftime lead. France then responded with 30 second-half points to claim victory in Round 2 of the Nations Championship.
McReight Helps Australia Into The Lead
France opened the scoring after just two minutes when Emmanuel Meafou crossed from close range and Maxime Lucu converted.
Australia was forced into an early change when hooker Josh Nasser left the field with a head injury. Brandon Paenga-Amosa came on and soon scored the Wallabies’ first try, with Ryan Lonergan adding the conversion.
France restored its advantage through debutant Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, who gathered a Romain Ntamack kick to score in the corner.
The match began to swing Australia’s way when Meafou was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Rob Valetini.
McReight scored from close range before crossing again from a driving maul seven minutes later. Lonergan converted both tries, sending the Wallabies into halftime with a nine-point lead.
France Take Over After Halftime
Lucu reduced the margin with an early penalty before Tom Wright was sent to the sin bin.
France then began to find space more regularly. Grandidier-Nkanang collected another attacking kick for his second try, while Ntamack cut through the Wallabies’ defence to put the visitors in front.
Florian Verhaeghe and Theo Attissogbe added further tries, and Lucu’s goal-kicking kept the scoreboard moving as France pulled clear.
Jeremy Williams scored late for Australia, but the Wallabies were unable to close the gap.
From Albany Creek To Test Rugby
McReight’s two tries were one of the few positives for Australia on a difficult night.
Before establishing himself with the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies, he played junior rugby with the Albany Creek Brumbies. His performance against France offered another reminder of the pathway from local junior rugby to the international stage.
The result leaves Australia still searching for its first win of the Nations Championship, while France leaves Brisbane with a convincing away victory.
Published 11-July-2026
