Rugby test matches at Stade de France

The atmosphere in the stands is festive and committed as always. The songs resonate with each converted try, hands go up for the individual exploits of the players of the favourite team and supporters have bright eyes before the stars of the oval ball.

Look back on great test matches

No fewer than 20 test matches have been held at Stade de France. A look back on those who marked the minds of the spectators and made them want to come back.

The only team that France has not been able to beat in a test match at Stade de France is New Zealand, the famous all blacks. A 20-20 draw in 2012 remains the best result.

For the rest, those who have had the chance to attend the following games, know what these magical moments of sharing and a vibrant crowd represent.

In March 2004, the French team received Australia, the form team of the day. It delivered a quality performance, which ended with a magnificent 27-14 win in a fiery atmosphere.

The following year, in 2005, during the winter tour, it was the Springboks who fell in the arena of Stade de France, overcome by a score of 26-20.

Argentina appeared on the menu of the French in 2006, with a narrow 27-26 victory.

After the stinging defeat against the Australians in November 2010, the national rugby team was keen to redeem itself and make the Stade de France buzz once again. Fired up, defiant in the scrums, gaining ground on every impact, it dominated the Wallabies for a historic victory of 33-6 on 12 November 2012, confirmed in 2014 by a much narrower margin.

Friendly rugby matches

Test-matches are rugby matches organised between national teams or between clubs, out of competition, but they still have an important strategic stake. It is a tool allowing coaches to test new players in real time; the cohesion of a team around a recent recruit. It is also an opportunity to motivate the team and test the spectators and supporters.

Calendar of rugby test matches at Stade de France in 2016: