Overview
- Kickoff is scheduled for 21:10 local time with live coverage on TF1.
- The stadium’s under‑soil heating has been running for about a week, and officials say the surface is playable despite forecasts near 2°C with a felt temperature around −2°C and a slight risk of sleet.
- Organizers and Météo France indicate there is no threat to the fixture proceeding as planned.
- A French victory would help secure a World Rugby top‑six spot, while TF1 Info notes a defeat by 16 points or more could drop France to seventh and jeopardize top‑seed status for the 2027 World Cup draw in early December.
- France enters after a 17–32 loss to South Africa and a 34–21 win over Fiji, facing a Wallabies side with one win in seven, as pundits call for a more expressive, confidence‑building performance.