Australian winger Harry Potter carries two burdens in life. One, living with this first and last name since 1997, the year the first book of the namesake adventures of the wizard school was released. Two, has never – we checked, promise – ever attended Hogwarts, which makes him devoid of magical powers in everyday life. It was no use trying to stop Louis Bielle-Biarrey when he drove into his path in the 31st minute.
Finally, the question arises of how “LBB” did everything to defend this Wallabies. A supersonic breakthrough, a bit of a kick for himself, and another drive towards the Australian goal. Three opponents were struck down with flu, an attempt to allow the French XV to regain, for a moment, a scoring lead (19-12, 31).
No tests since March with the Blues
It was a good scene, not just because the crowd at the Stade de France had to be in good spirits against the increasingly cold weather. It was the first time since the win over Scotland (35-16) in March, synonymous with coronation at the Six Nations Tournament, that the Bordeaux-Bègles winger tried out the French shirt.
Almost an anomaly for a player who has now scored 20 goals in his 22 selections, with his second pass on goal late in the game (72nd) via a terrifying break from youngster Kalvin Gourgues. Dan distinguished himself on the field in every game with the French XV last season, where he equaled the record for tries (eight) in the Tournament.
But beyond the statistical performance, the 22-year-old showed a different face compared to his first two international matches in November. Bielle-Biarrey once had a tricky game against South Africa, where the Springboks kept him off the ball and his yellow card helped sink the Blues late in the game. A week ago against Fiji, “LBB” of course offered a try to second row Charles Ollivon, but the physical strength of the Fijian three-quarters made him suffer.
Two assists for his friend Nicolas Depoortere
Saturday night is better. Much better. There was a mad try and a second to end the match, but also two fine gifts (9.52) to send to his friend and former Gironde roommate, Nicolas Depoortere, behind the line. With the first, a flood of water at full speed that already made the Stade de France roar.
Everything wasn’t perfect, including the ball he took away and led to the Wallabies’ fourth try (56th), but Louis Bielle-Biarrey at least came away from this autumn’s tour in excellent form, something not all of France’s title holders can boast.
Nominated for the title of world player of the year, finally awarded to South African hooker Malcolm Marx moments before the start of this France-Australia, the winger will now return to Bordeaux-Bègles and the Top 14, where he tops the scoring charts, and a Champions Cup to defend with the Gironde club.
It is time to strike in 2026, for a return to the Blues. And trying to match this extraordinary ratio that could one day take him to the status of top scorer in the history of the French XV, today held by Damian Penaud (40). He was already halfway to his destination.
