Bus fire and eye‑gouge mar Wallaroos‑France clash

A bus fire and an eye‑gouge incident marred the Wallaroos’ match against France, turning what should have been a clean rugby contest into a chaotic scene. The French side staged a dramatic comeback that left the Australian women in disappointment. The Wallaroos, however, remain focused on building momentum ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, hoping to spark a "Matildas effect" for rugby similar to the soccer team’s rise. Coaches and players noted the physical and flamboyant style of the French opponents, describing them as tough and skillful. The incident sparked calls for tighter safety checks on team transport and stricter enforcement of on‑field conduct rules.