Wallaroos collapse to heartbreaking defeat against France as bus fire delays game
The Australian Wallaroos suffered a narrow 29-26 defeat to France in a chaotic rugby match delayed by a nearby bus fire. Despite an early 19-0 lead and multiple French red cards, Australia was unable to hold off a late comeback.
Why it matters
The match highlights the unpredictable nature of international sports and the impact of external disruptions on professional athletic performance.
Kaitlan Leaney and Siokapesi Palu Sekona console each other after the Wallaroos' defeat to France. ( Getty Images: David Ramos )
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Australia's Wallaroos have been left frustrated by a potentially massive Test win that got away as undisciplined France somehow escaped with a 29-26 win after being 19 points down and reduced at one point to just 11 players.
On an extraordinary day of Test rugby, exacerbated by off-field drama when the second half had to be delayed due to a bus on fire adjacent to the Stade Maurice David, home fans were left almost in disbelief at how their imploding and depleted side somehow still conjured a win.
The French were at one point in the first half down to 11 players after three yellow cards, including one upgraded to a 20-minute red, and a straight red.
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