Sold-out Suncorp awaits as Wallabies host Six Nations champions France in Brisbane

The Wallabies will host Six Nations champions France in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, confirming back-to-back capacity crowds to open Australia’s men’s international rugby season.

Last weekend’s Nations Championship opener against Ireland in Sydney drew a record attendance at Allianz Stadium, where a 33-31 defeat for the Wallabies did little to dampen the atmosphere. Dylan Pietsch crossed for Australia’s first try of the season inside the opening minutes, but Ireland — ranked third in the world — edged the thriller late on.

The Brisbane fixture carries extra weight as the second major sporting event of the week at Suncorp Stadium, coming just days after New South Wales defeated Queensland in the Men’s State of Origin decider. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson is already looking to channel the energy of disappointed Maroons supporters.

“I think there’ll be a few supporters coming on Saturday who need a win after Wednesday night,” Wilson told reporters outside Suncorp Stadium. “I know Queenslanders, how vocal they are in supporting and I think it’s going to be no different.”

The last time France played at Suncorp Stadium was July 18, 2021, when the Wallabies claimed a 33-30 victory. Les Bleus have won the three subsequent meetings between the sides, all held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

France’s matchday 23 includes three Australian-born players with Brisbane connections. Emmanuel Meafou grew up in Queensland, played for Brothers Rugby Club in North Brisbane and attended Ipswich Grammar School. Moses Elo-Emile went to Brisbane State High School, while Thomas Staniforth previously represented the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs. None of the three have played a Test at Suncorp Stadium.

Wilson acknowledged the personal dimension of facing familiar faces. “I played Queensland Schoolboys with Moses Elo-Emile and haven’t seen him since then. It’ll be pretty cool to go up against him again,” he said. “Emmanuel Meafou, a Brothers boy — gee whiz, he’s a presence on the field. It’s the first time he’s playing a Test match in his home stadium here in Brisbane.”

“They’re going to be a handful but gee whiz, the rest of the team will be a handful too so we’re going to be fired up and ready.”