Props to Wallabies: forwards lead Japan rout
Murray Wenzel |
Australia’s forward pack have dined out as the Wallabies wriggled out of an awkward spot to streak away from Eddie Jones’ Japan in Townsville.
The host’s 56-17 triumph was in the balance until midway through the second half, when the 1000th Wallaby, Massimo De Lutiis, subbed on and stormed over for a debut try to create an 18-point lead.
It was one of six tries from Australian front-rowers on Saturday and – after a three-point win in Osaka seven days earlier – was the welcome breathing room coach Les Kiss was searching for in his second game in charge.
Taniela Tupou barged over for two close-range tries in the first half while Angus Bell added one, hooker Josh Nasser opened the scoring and his replacement Brandon Paenga-Amosa finished the job.
Carter Gordon controlled play nicely in his return at flyhalf while halfback Ryan Lonegan (5/5) was perfect off the tee.
Unforced errors kept Japan in it through the first half and the visitors led 17-14 before Tupou snuck in his second try before halftime to trigger a run of 42 consecutive points.
Slowly the hosts turned the screws, Carlo Tizzano pilfering three times and Fraser McReight immediately adding a steal when he came on in the final 15 minutes.
The Reds flanker replaced lock Lachlan Shaw, who held the lineout together in his starting debut, teaming with fellow pilferer Tizzano and shifting Harry Wilson into the second row.
That finally broke the Japanese resistance, with Charlie Cale and Harry Wilson getting on the board before Paenga-Amosa’s after-the-buzzer effort.
Isaac Henry was also impressive in his second Test and first start in the No.13, replacing the injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to give Kiss food for though ahead of a two-Test tour of Argentina.
Henry’s straight running busted the line regularly, with his assist for Lonergan waved away due to an earlier forward pass.
It was mission accomplished for Kiss, who avoided two banana-peel clashes against the side that dropped from 10 to 12 in the world last week.
And his selections, explained as “future-proofing” were also validated after in-form lock Josh Canham and prop Allan Alaalatoa were both rested in Townsville.
AAP