France overturns 21-12 deficit to beat Australia 42-26, rises to second in Northern Hemisphere standings

How the match unfolded

France endured a shaky first half in Brisbane, trailing Australia 21-12 at the interval after losing the lead twice. The Wallabies capitalised on loose French defence to go into the break nine points ahead. In the second half, however, Fabien Galthié's side unleashed a 30-point unanswered surge, running in six tries in total to overpower the hosts 42-26.

Winger Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang crossed twice, while fly-half Romain Ntamack steered the comeback alongside inside centre Matthieu Jalibert. The result avenges France's opening-round 34-32 defeat by New Zealand and gives Les Bleus a crucial bonus point to keep Ireland in reach.

Standings after round two

Ireland made it two wins from two by beating Japan 36-20 on the same day in Australia, retaining the top spot in the Northern Hemisphere table. France sit second with seven points, the only side in the north to collect bonus points in both fixtures (a losing bonus against New Zealand and a try bonus against Australia). In the southern hemisphere, the Springboks remain top.

It's truly a joy to play with Jalibert.

The Bordeaux-Toulouse pair were at the heart of the French attacking revival in Brisbane, combining to create space for Grandidier-Nkanang and the back three.

Galthié protests schedule

Before flying to Tokyo for the next round, head coach Fabien Galthié criticised the tournament's fixture arrangements. He highlighted that Ireland were able to face Japan in Australia while his team must travel to Japan to meet the Brave Blossoms. France's match in Tokyo is set for the third weekend of the competition.

In rugby there are always arrangements.

Galthié, who also described the Brisbane win as an "exploit", wants more balanced scheduling as the championship expands.

What's next

France will head to Japan for round three, hoping to build on the momentum of a dominant second-half display. Ireland face a tougher test against a resurgent Springbok side, while the All Blacks host Australia. The tight Northern Hemisphere table means any slip by the Irish could hand France the lead on points difference.