A five-Test winning run has lifted the Wallabies to third on the world rugby rankings but just how real that improvement is will be proven on the fields of Europe in November.
Despite the early loss of fullback Reece Hodge, Australia overcame stubborn resistance from Japan on Saturday to make a winning start to their 2021 spring tour.
The 32-23 win over the Brave Blossoms in Oita means the Wallabies have won five straight Tests for the first time since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
That streak began with impressive back-to-back home wins over world champions South Africa during the Rugby Championship.
They were followed, however, by two home victories against an Argentina squad having a Rugby Championship to forget and then Saturday’s less-than-convincing win over Japan.
The challenge that lies ahead for Dave Rennie’s team to become the first Wallabies squad to return from Europe undefeated on a three or four-Test spring tour since 1996 is sterner.
The European swing begins at Murrayfield against Scotland before taking on Eddie Jones’ England at Twickenham.
The tour wraps up with a trip to Cardiff to face Six Nations champions Wales.
While under no illusion of how difficult the next month will be for his team, captain Michael Hooper believes the winning run has created a morale within the squad they can draw upon.
“We’re about to enter a place and play away from home, far away from home, which we haven’t done in a long time,” Hooper said ahead of the Wallabies’ first trip to Europe since 2018.
“We’re right in the perfect time as a group to take on that challenge. (Saturday) was really nice to get that result and I guess show a couple of areas that we can improve but also still tick over a win there.
“Take that up north and take on some of these European teams.”
Rennie confirmed after the Japan win that Hodge will travel with the team on Sunday to London as they await scans on his pectoral muscle injury, putting him in doubt for the three upcoming Tests.
Veteran playmaker Quade Cooper will feature however after discussions between the Wallabies coach and his Japanese club resulted with him continuing on the tour.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Mental his name isn't even being spoken about given Kerevi is now out.
gatesy
Roar Guru
I read that he was injured.
gatesy
Roar Guru
Totally agree on Rona. He's in the thick of every game for Irish, and playing in the centres.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I vote "neither" as the WB's were better than 7th and certainly not as good as 3rd in the world. England will smash em. But they should win most of their tour games.
Paddy
Guest
Hooper has continued to bluff everyone ( but not me) it happened when Cheika Foley Beale kept bluffing their way through test after test until they were found out as pretenders. Hooper is the last pretender standing. He is the best con- artist out of the lot of them.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Warming to the idea that he might still be able to handle a position like 12. He ran out of pace for a test 13 maybe four years ago. As someone with little idea of the fundamental requirements of 12 v 13 I could imagine him doing a pretty good job except he might not be able to fully capitalise on a line break. At the same time it is hard to imagine he can just drop in for a week and do better than any of the selected guys. Probably better to leave him be.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
The problem is there is no cover for SK and a backup game plan required instead.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Sadly maligned by English crowds so probably better for DR to leave him at home. According to Wikipedia he may have played his last game for Albury Thunder in 2018 while the Betoota Advocate claims he was underwhelmed by Michell's efforts.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
What I have liked with DR. Clear direction from game to game. Started last year with the form players and has added and discarded players on merit or with purpose. One of the reasons Rome wasn't built in seven days is the length of time it takes to lay foundations. We need more Dave Rennies running rugby in this country.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Pretty balanced commentary. Not so sure about Argentina being much danger to anyone at the moment though. How we play against the three British sides will be important for fans and a 2-1 tally will be respected I think. Ironically while England look to be the biggest challenge, the game is a potential banana skin for Eddie. Assuming 1-10 are back on their RC game what happens at 12 or 15 becomes critical. Either Paisami or Perese need to be at their best to plug the SK hole to a satisfactory level. Assessing alternatives to Hodge was always a challenge in waiting so we have to suck it up and see it as an opportunity.
rusty
Roar Rookie
yes very poor performance against Japan............too short and not the required skills of a world cup 7
rusty
Roar Rookie
meaning you Paddy not W_L
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
It's so interesting. I know that the test arena is much different but from the moment he started at the Brumbies he seemed to exude confidence plus real ability. I'd love to hear how he is personally tracking now that he's a Wallaby. Totally agree with the Maddie's comparison. If love to see Muirhead get a go. He's so reliable, punches above his weight, can fill in at 15 as well, and doesn't seem to do much wrong when he plays.
The Yabbie
Roar Rookie
Hello Nick, looking at the Wallabies v Japan I thought the WB looked tired. I mentioned before but I'm still not clear. Is there a measurable threshold where performance takes a dip at this level and perhaps injuries become more prevalent? I doubt we will beat England and your mob but only because many of these guys have played super rugby+SR aletoa plus 3 v france, 3 v NZ, 2 v SA 2 v Argies, 1 v japan. That's a lot of rugby. I'd be taking it very easy before Scotland. You can't get high quality week in week out
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
He’s having a good start for Biarritz, but he doesn’t fix our 12 situation. I’m warming to the idea of bringing Beale back, covers 12 or 15. I can’t see it happening though. Those calling for Luke M to come back clearly don’t watch The Premiership because he’s not played a game for Bristol so no way he’s coming in. A name no one is talking about but should be is Curtis Rona. Having a blinding season for Irish.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I’m going to every game of the NH Tour, so would love to see 3/3 wins. I genuinely don’t know how we will fare on this Tour though. We were brilliant against SA. However, injuries are starting to impact our depth and form. I also don’t know why we didn’t play more new faces against Japan. A great opportunity to give some fresh blood a run.
rusty
Roar Rookie
been waiting for someone to talk some sense
wahwah100
Roar Rookie
Please show some respect and refer to the Japanese team as that or the Brave Blossoms.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I think Hunter is a test option but not a like for like with Kerevi. The Wallabies need to ensure they play differently with the players they have and not try and fit players into a game they are suited for
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Considering the change of players due to injuries before and during the game I thought they played well. Seemed to me that they got a bit caught up playing Japan game and they need to be smarter about sticking to their own game plan. A good win that wound have probably been a loss under the previous regime