Wallabies front-row power overwhelms Japan in Townsville rout
The Wallabies have secured a commanding 56-17 victory over Japan in Townsville, with a dominant second-half performance from the forward pack turning a tight contest into a comprehensive win. The result gives coach Les Kiss his second consecutive victory since taking charge of the national side.
How did the Wallabies break the game open?
The match remained in the balance until midway through the second half, when Massimo De Lutiis, the 1000th player to represent the Wallabies, came off the bench and scored a debut try to establish an 18-point lead. That score triggered a run of 42 unanswered points as the home side overwhelmed their visitors.
Australian front-rowers accounted for six tries on the night. Taniela Tupou barged over for two close-range scores in the first half, while Angus Bell added another. Hooker Josh Nasser opened the scoring, and his replacement Brandon Paenga-Amosa finished the job with a try after the final siren.
What did Eddie Jones say about Tupou's performance?
Japan coach Eddie Jones, who previously coached the Wallabies, joked about the impact of Tupou after the match.
He must have thought there was a free pizza every time he scored a try today; I'll have to go and see him after the game, might take him a pizza in. They get pretty excited near the line.
Jones attributed the Wallabies' success to their aerial dominance and subsequent possession, which allowed the forwards to build sustained pressure close to the Japanese line.
How did the Wallabies respond after a tight first half?
Unforced errors kept Japan in the contest through the opening 40 minutes, with the visitors leading 17-14 before Tupou scored his second try just before halftime. The Wallabies then turned the screws in the second period, with Carlo Tizzano winning three turnovers and Fraser McReight adding a steal after coming on in the final 15 minutes.
Carter Gordon controlled play effectively in his return at flyhalf, while halfback Ryan Lonergan was perfect off the kicking tee with five conversions from five attempts.
What changes did Kiss make to the forward pack?
Kiss shifted Harry Wilson into the second row after cramping forced Lachlan Shaw from the field. Shaw had held the lineout together in his starting debut, teaming with Tizzano before McReight's introduction.
Backrowers Charlie Cale and Harry Wilson both crossed for tries as the Japanese resistance finally broke, setting up Paenga-Amosa's late effort.
What did Kiss say about the performance?
Test rugby, sometimes it takes a while to break a game down. We gave them a bit of scope to be able to play their quite fast and furious game but we were cool, calm and collected at half time. We just made sure we got the right things right.
Kiss credited his assistant coaches for the side's effectiveness close to the line and praised De Lutiis's debut as a dream forged on hard work.
How did Isaac Henry perform in his first start?
Isaac Henry impressed in his second Test and first start in the No.13 jersey, replacing the injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Henry's straight running regularly busted the line, though his assist for Lonergan was disallowed due to an earlier forward pass.
The performance gives Kiss selection options ahead of a two-Test tour of Argentina.
What was the significance of the selection calls?
Kiss described his selections as future-proofing, with in-form lock Josh Canham and prop Allan Alaalatoa both rested in Townsville. The approach was validated by the result, which also avoided the potential upset of a side that dropped from 10th to 12th in the world rankings last week.
We need to create this competitive pressure but also create the flexibility that players can adapt and move into different positions,
Kiss said, noting that Suaalii had shifted to wing to finish last week's Osaka Test.
What is the McReight and Tizzano combination?
Kiss acknowledged the partnership between McReight and Tizzano, which he dubbed McZzano, drawing comparisons to the Pooper combination of Michael Hooper and David Pocock from a decade ago.
I would have liked another five minutes of that, but at least we saw it as a snapshot. Just trying to build ways that we can think forward, and the different plans that we might be able to play against a different opposition.
Winger Max Jorgensen left the field nursing ribs after friendly fire with Wilson, the only apparent injury concern from the match.
FAQ
Who scored tries for the Wallabies against Japan?
Six tries came from front-rowers: Taniela Tupou (two), Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and debutant Massimo De Lutiis. Backrowers Charlie Cale and Harry Wilson also crossed in the second half.
What was the final score in Townsville?
The Wallabies won 56-17, with 42 consecutive points scored after halftime to turn a tight contest into a comprehensive victory.
When do the Wallabies play Argentina?
The Wallabies face a two-Test tour of Argentina in their next international assignment.