The Wallabies match in Japan went pretty much according to plan: a comfortable win and a chance to have a look at a few players in different roles.
A couple of garbage-time scores by the hosts made the final score closer than the game actually was, but the Wallabies won’t be thrilled to have allowed the Japanese to dictate the final 15 minutes the way they did.
The relatively easy win for the men in gold was highlighted by barnstorming performances from the centre pairing of Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kurindrani. While not usually a fan of Kerevi and Kurindrani in the same midfield, the duo’s size and power was just too much for the Japanese defensive line.
Tatafu Polota-Nau had probably his best ever game in a Wallabies jersey, displaying an epic work rate and an appetite to run the ball as often as he could. There is a bit of a window for Polota-Nau now – with Moore on the way out and no obvious successor beating down the door to take the job – for the veteran hooker to really make the position his own ahead of the World Cup.
Reece Hodge impressed with the boot, kicking with great accuracy in addition to his usual trick of making it look like the ball he’s kicking has been inflated with helium. At times Hodge’s shots for goal went so high they were at risk of showing up on North Korea’s missile radars.
(Image: Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
In regards to his trial at the fly-half position, Hodge was solid but clearly still miles behind Bernard Foley in terms of passing ability. Hopefully this is the game in which the penny drops for Michael Cheika that Hodge may be the best option for kicking duties even when Foley returns to the side and Hodge returns to the wing. Just because you are wearing the number ten jersey does not mean you need to take all of the kicks by default.
Nick Phipps was given the opportunity to start and showed that he is still Nick Phipps and we can expect him to be Nick Phipps any time he is called upon. Many Wallabies fans would have enjoyed the chance to see Joe Powell get some meaningful minutes at Test level but they and Powell will have to wait.
Thirty-one missed tackles from the Wallabies is a slightly alarming statistic for Cheika and Nathan Grey. Miss 31 tackles against Wales next week and the Wallabies won’t be celebrating an easy win, but some of those misses tackles will be down to the reshuffle of the side since Brisbane.
The win over New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium was highlighted by the outstanding defensive display and that was largely in part to the Wallabies finally going with a settled side for a few games on the bounce, so it was probably to be expected that the missed tackle count would go up as soon as the pack was shuffled.
As far as the spring tour is concerned, this is job done for the Wallabies. The game was won comfortably and a few fringe players got some game time so that they’re sharp should they be called upon in Europe. We didn’t learn anything new, Hodge was pencilled in as the backup option at ten before the game and remains so afterwards.
The only real question ahead of the Wales game is if Cheika names the same 12-13 combination again. Given their impressive showing this afternoon, I wager he might.
Fionn
Guest
Braver man than me :D
PapanuiPirate
Roar Pro
Broadly agree Peter except for point 4. I'd like to see Hodge be challenged on his wrong side more before I'm comfortable picking him as the first choice goal kicker. Also I'd like to see some of his kicks with better viewing angles. The footage for the game (which was broadly poor) never showed the kick from behind the kicker. Looked to me like he kicks pretty much dead straight as opposed to curving it in?
Dave
Guest
Nice one. Great that the weather held up too
Stu B
Guest
As yet not much to talk up, Argies twice, a win against a depleted ABs after the cup had bolted, now a 30 plus point win over who? but good to see Japan doing as we have for years, improving the gene pool by importing the Pacific Islanders.The game toughens up from here!
mitch
Guest
A first tier footy team would not have let in 30+ points from Japan. most in the second half. this rosy non scrutiny is not going to do us any favors against england and wales.
TahTragic
Guest
Not sure why this type of comment gets applied to the Japanese team (similar comments were made in the WC when they beat SA). Look at all international teams; Australia, NZ, SA, England etc. They all have a fair contingent of "overseas" players. All teams are subject to the same eligibility rules. Why do we expect the Japanese team to be any different?
GWSINGAPORE
Guest
Entered gate W14 and was seated about 10 rows back from the fence at ground level. A great day to remember.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Just waiting in the wings to deliver that pearl, Shirley? Mind you I thought a similar thing. Is it our fault that Australia is so beautiful that so many from the Pacific choose to live here? Samu and Tevita came here as kids. Kepu was born here. Tatafu as well I think. Speight and Koroibete were later calls in the Japanesque mould?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
I wouldnt Fionn, I would pretend to be brave and stand in his way, protect my head, and hope he tripped.
Rusty743
Guest
Jack - “miles behind in passing ability”...Foley is arguably “miles behind” in passing ability. Geez i would like to be measured on the new KPI’s or criteria for selection for a modern day 10. I never played it but even in Reggie’s the 10 had the best passing game......
Dave
Guest
Ha ha probably a wise move
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
Just like the Wallabies
Dave
Guest
What category were your seats in GW? I booked last minute so was category 4. No such luck with drinks. Big lines for the sections that didnt run out before kick off... Those beer girls are usually at the baseball and do a great job
Fionn
Guest
If I had Kerevi running at me I would turn around and run off in the other direction.
Fred
Guest
Why can't the country hosting the world cup field a team of Japanese? There were ten Islanders/Kiwis in the Japanese team.
LifestyleSpecialist
Roar Rookie
Fair points re Hodge but I'd keep Foley for the kick off restarts. He has been pin point with his restarts with plenty of time for Naivalua and Folau to get there and compete. Accuracy is key for restarts. Hang time is good but Foley seems to get enough. If Hodge can do it though then by all means have him.
Haymother
Guest
Produce good fall backs don’t they. Strong runners with skill.
GWSingapore
Guest
Rugby lovers. Start saving those dollars for the RWC. It will be fabulous. The hospitality and atmosphere yesterday with 43 000 fans was a wonderful experience. Even full strength beer served at your seats in cans for $AUD 6 per can. I think the poor beer lady serving the We Love Rugby Wallaby supporters did her back in from heavy lifting.
Dave
Guest
Sk certainly put in some big hits both in defence and attack. It was sort of cruel to watch at times considering the size difference
Fionn
Guest
'Hard to run the two Ks in the centres against wales I reckon. SKs defensive reads arent good enough.' Did you watch the match? Kerevi's defence was fine at 12. Not world-class but more then adequate, as it always is as 12. Biggest question is whether the centres are too one dimensional with those two at 12 and 13? I think it is workable with Beale at fullback. Beale attacks a lot from 12 anyway, and Kerevi is a much better defender than Beale.