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00:00:01A 20-minute red card to Myles Amatisero. A massive moment in this game.
00:00:09Michael Atkinson in studio. That was a huge moment in this game, mate.
00:00:14A pivotal moment. Andrew Swain in the opening 40 minutes between Australia and Japan.
00:00:19The scores are tied up 14 apiece, but Justin Harrison, we know Australia are one player down
00:00:25and they will be for some time in the second half.
00:00:28That really changed the momentum of the game in that first half.
00:00:32The yellow then upgraded to red card to Myles Amatisero.
00:00:35Yeah, absolutely. And it suited perfectly Japan's game style.
00:00:39The space and pace at which they're playing the game.
00:00:42Sometimes you can get away with losing a player and mask it.
00:00:45Not the way that Japan are playing at the moment.
00:00:48There will be hot debate around whether this deserved to be upgraded.
00:00:52Listen to the TMO. They talk about not wrapping.
00:00:55They don't talk about dipping, late dipping, height, mitigating, anything around that.
00:01:00The intent is what they've decided.
00:01:02Of Amatisero's entry with his arm tucked and not trying to enact a clean out.
00:01:08A clean out is a type of tackle.
00:01:10Coming in like that cocked shows an intent before arrival at a late dip.
00:01:15That's what they've judged on.
00:01:17Yeah, it's a massive moment.
00:01:18One we will be talking about for the rest of tonight and days to come.
00:01:20Plenty to unpack from that first half in Osaka here on your home of rugby stand sport.
00:01:25There's plenty of football.
00:01:27It's all tied up between Japan and Australia in Osaka.
00:01:3114 points apiece.
00:01:32The first time in international rugby history that Japan have been level at halftime with the Wallabies.
00:01:39It's great to have your company on your home of rugby stand sport.
00:01:41Justin Harrison alongside me.
00:01:43It is tense.
00:01:45It is heart-stopping.
00:01:47Breathtaking.
00:01:48And it was a young superstar, 21-year-old fly-half Ito, who got scoring underway for Japan.
00:01:53Absolutely.
00:01:54First 10.
00:01:55First 10.
00:01:56A try against an Australian side.
00:01:58What a stat.
00:01:58Wallabies.
00:01:59Wow, that's a good stat.
00:02:00And living up to the hype.
00:02:01The Eddie Jones pre-game hype.
00:02:03Absolutely.
00:02:03What a star player he is.
00:02:04And he's performing very well.
00:02:06Wallabies have let themselves down a couple of times.
00:02:08It's got to be fair to say.
00:02:09In the first half, they've created some opportunities.
00:02:11Let the ball go to grass.
00:02:13Great repair from Harry Potter.
00:02:14Hard inside line, inside shoulder.
00:02:16That's how you do it.
00:02:18One of the things, Josh Canham's been a regular target in line-out.
00:02:20We know that line-out's such a vital source of points for the Wallabies.
00:02:23None more evident than this.
00:02:26First phase attack.
00:02:27That's what we started to see in the Irish test.
00:02:29Remember, an intent to score off first phase.
00:02:32Not building possession.
00:02:33And playing to a formula.
00:02:35Playing what's in front of you.
00:02:36And I'll tell you what, this is what he's playing.
00:02:38What's in front of you with Japan.
00:02:39They are playing with pace.
00:02:41We talked about technique and precision at breakdown.
00:02:46That try is all about technique and precision at breakdown.
00:02:48Get in behind a team.
00:02:50Accelerate through contact.
00:02:51Don't slow the ball down when it hits the grass.
00:02:54The game increases in speed when Japan go into contact.
00:02:57Yeah, they are loving fastball when they get the chance.
00:03:00And that was when Australia had lost.
00:03:01Miles Emetissero.
00:03:02They looked like they were going to score again during that period.
00:03:05While Australia had to play a yellow card.
00:03:07But our key defensive moment from the first half, thanks to Defendo, is, yeah, and if
00:03:11not for Tom Wright, Japan could have gone into the break in front.
00:03:14But it is 14 points apiece coming up.
00:03:17We're going to talk to Morgan Turanui in Osaka.
00:03:19So much rugby on Standsport, including the All Blacks Tour of South Africa.
00:03:23Every match, 30 years in the making.
00:03:26History, pride, legacy, all on the line.
00:03:28Eight epic matches.
00:03:29There's four brutal tests now streaming live and exclusive only on Standsport.
00:03:42Oh, sensational.
00:03:50To Osaka, into the stadium now to Morgan Turanui, who has been pitch side for that first half.
00:03:55Morgan Turanui, what did you notice about the Wallabies game in the first 40?
00:04:01Well, there were some interesting things, weren't there, Atko?
00:04:04And a lot of them were mentioned by the boys in commentary hoops and Timmy.
00:04:07And, of course, Gug as well.
00:04:08And the way he previewed the match was, I can see that they're trying to maintain connection
00:04:13defensively.
00:04:13But, gee, they've got some work to do.
00:04:15Scott McLeod and Les Kiss.
00:04:16Because Wallabies conceded nine line breaks in the first half.
00:04:20Seven entries in their own 22.
00:04:21So, actually, they resisted a bit better than we've seen them previously once Japan got
00:04:26into their 22.
00:04:27But, at the moment, when that play gets a bit madcap, when it gets unstructured, when
00:04:32it's transitioned from attack to defence on turnover, the Wallabies are struggling to
00:04:37just find a point in the cycle of possession of Japan to slow the ball down.
00:04:41It's either got to be tackle, then one guy at the breakdown, or it's got to be line speed
00:04:45afterwards.
00:04:46They're getting stuck in that circle and not being able to do anything about it.
00:04:49That's probably one of the messages, or should be, one of the messages at halftime.
00:04:53One of the things, Morgan, has noticed that, you know, Eddie Jones on record is saying he
00:04:57wants this Japan side to be one of the fastest rugby teams in the world, right?
00:05:01You can see that at the breakdown, can't you?
00:05:03The ball seems to come out of the breakdown faster than when it goes in at the moment.
00:05:08The Wallabies, with the line breaks and defensive pattern, are struggling to keep ahead of the
00:05:12game.
00:05:15That's exactly right, Gorgon.
00:05:17I think, like you, I can see the fingerprints of Eddie Jones, the influence of Eddie Jones
00:05:21in some of the actions of his players.
00:05:23That urgency of first arriving player to breakdown, that ability to look, OK, I'm free, I can
00:05:28pick it up and run.
00:05:29I can, you know, infringe and niggle around the breakdown to try and stop the ball of the
00:05:34Wallabies being at the same speed Japan have.
00:05:36I think maybe back to source.
00:05:37Remember, Lonergan went to touch a few times earlier in the game, the Wallabies play less
00:05:41footy in your own half, maybe go to line out and get some pressure on at line out time.
00:05:47Morgz, we know that we'll start the second half a player down.
00:05:50Miles Emmer-Decero's yellow card upgraded to red card.
00:05:53Harry Potter's try-scoring form away from home continues.
00:05:56He's good on the road.
00:06:00Yeah, he is.
00:06:01He's a bit like you, Michael.
00:06:02Very, very, very good when we get away from home and leading us around the park.
00:06:06Look, I think the good thing about Harry Potter is it shows that the Wallabies attack, when
00:06:10it's got a little bit of in sync, better than we've seen at times, is working.
00:06:15When your wingers look impressive like he does, it's great.
00:06:18So he's getting good source ball out wide in the wider 15s.
00:06:20I think you need to see them going there, but also he's getting off his wing and chasing
00:06:25as well.
00:06:25But second half is just about to start and we cannot wait to see if this Wallabies team
00:06:30can find their way back in while they're challenged, especially at 14 men.
00:06:35And we'll take you back up to your commentary team to talk you through it.
00:06:38Can't wait to see what happens here in Osaka.
00:06:40Yeah, thank you, Morgan Turanui.
00:06:43Jack Cornelison there had a great first half.
00:06:45Product of the Brisbane Grammar School.
00:06:48Likewise, Fraser McRoy had their first win in four years in their first 15 today.
00:06:52So congratulations to them.
00:06:53I'm sure the boys up there would have heard about that.
00:06:56Yeah, well done.
00:06:57And also Cornelison played for the University of Queensland.
00:07:02Who also had a win today.
00:07:06All your rugby on stand sport.
00:07:08As the second half is underway here in Osaka, a big second half for the Wallabies.
00:07:13First 13 or so minutes.
00:07:16Down to 14 men.
00:07:18Down to 14 men.
00:07:19Out to 14 men.
00:07:23A litmus test for this new era of Wallabies under Les Kis.
00:07:32We saw this from Japan in the first half as well.
00:07:35Just a few settling carries.
00:07:37A couple of replacements on the field already.
00:07:39Angus Bell will play full 40 minutes.
00:07:43high ball and again it's a hard one to take but the wallabies do well swali stepping back infield
00:07:55makes the contact in the end
00:08:00slow though for the wallabies is wilson gets the shoulders through the contact
00:08:12here's bill with his first carry will he make an impact the wallabies have some depth on the bench
00:08:18today right swali straightening stays on the feet gets a flick out of the back of the heads
00:08:24that is special play from the wallabies here's potter back in field the last pass going to deck
00:08:30but meredith's onto the ball they're a meter short they pick and go jorgensen scores
00:08:41after some razzle dazzle from the wallabies it's an ugly finish but an effective one
00:08:49well what a hit for this second half this wallaby side really struggled with some of their handling
00:08:55early on in the first half but there was no sign to that in the second half great little starter
00:08:59here
00:09:00from swali to get that ball free to max jorgensen who again puts a lovely little ball away another
00:09:05lovely little ball away from mick wright it's a great play he thought it was going to get lost
00:09:09there but lots of wallaby jerseys in the picture and a good finish here from jorgensen yeah what a
00:09:15start for the wallabies through the hands and very direct play in the first couple of minutes of the
00:09:21second half a couple of nice carries angus bell was one hunter paisami took another one harry wilson the
00:09:28skipper a cuppa suli he took one as well they've gone very direct early in this second half
00:09:38lonergan stripes it down the middle so they take a seven point lead early in this second half
00:09:45well whatever les kiss said in his first ever half-time chat to a wallaby's teams worked that's
00:09:50exactly what they needed and of course still down to 14 men with that 20 minute red card
00:09:57doesn't matter what it looks like it's a golf scorecard that one for the wallabies you just write
00:10:01the number down and be happy
00:10:08spot on morgan turinui jorgensen he scored some real special tries over the years
00:10:14we've seen in the last couple of years that one
00:10:18three inches over the goal line
00:10:20another effective carry he is effective with ball in hand
00:10:28one goes high
00:10:34back in field though
00:10:36it goes out on the full off the boot of lonergan so
00:10:40you go back to where he kicked it
00:10:43jorgensen did his best to tap it back in
00:10:49had a lot of shorter line outs japan
00:10:52they go again they want this quick ball movement
00:10:55they go again they go again they go again they go again they go again they go again they go
00:11:06again
00:11:07very deep to japan to derms right at the back
00:11:13that is heavy carry in the midfield
00:11:17ito back inside to cornelson mcgrite over the ball
00:11:25the ball cleared from that ruck quickly to japan
00:11:30ito
00:11:34robbie's doing their best to get over the ball canham
00:11:43that's the advantage oh this is an acceleration
00:11:46straight through the gap to ueda
00:11:50and that is some sort of finish from kazuma ueda
00:11:55he went supersonic through that gap
00:11:59well japan hits straight back
00:12:02and it's a rush up defense out wide for the wall of
00:12:04he's just unsure suli comes up harry potter doesn't follow him
00:12:09ueda straight through that's an easy try a well worked try
00:12:13from the japanese team hits straight back against the wallabies
00:12:18a very nice build up from this japanese team again so good with their urgency around the rock
00:12:25josh canham always gets the turnover the lead-up play which ends up being a knock-on they earn advantage
00:12:31ability for this japanese team just to find space and accelerate through the hole has been exceptional
00:12:44the ball
00:12:45and he's going to be able to get the ball out of the ball
00:12:47and he's going to be able to get the ball out of the wallabies
00:12:53it's interesting both teams struggling when
00:12:56carriers with the ball in two hands are going hard deep into defensive lines
00:13:00then having to make decisions at the back Tim you summed it up well the fractured
00:13:05line some jamming some holding it's happening to both
00:13:08teams the team that gets their defense right gets
00:13:11gets a little bit of time on the ball to slow it down they're going to the ones
00:13:15that gain ascendancy here early in the second half
00:13:23deep kickoff from the wallabies
00:13:26and then lachesey oh a bumping run back but bell goes low drags him down
00:13:35oh pick and go there from tucker uchi through the middle looking for the support
00:13:39it's the second time they've run through the middle but the wallabies get the penalty
00:13:46it's not done first and then he holds the ball
00:13:48Angus bell scrambling
00:13:51gee tucker uchi's been one of the better forwards
00:13:54on the field lots of carries from the tight head prop
00:13:59Angus bell hoops quickly over the ball
00:14:01yeah it's good to treat good impact from the bench
00:14:04player and Angus bell there tonight
00:14:06this is a real feature of the japanese game up there
00:14:08yeah those little ghost picks through the middle of rucks
00:14:12big plays up in japan it's quite frequent
00:14:16and the competition up there
00:14:19needs to put this one deep here declan meredith
00:14:25well that's better that's better from the fly half
00:14:29changes your whole line out call
00:14:31froze mcrighte tom wright come up to him hit him on the back
00:14:35that's what you need to get his confidence back
00:14:39that's what you need to get his confidence back
00:14:39changes what call is coming five meters out in your line out compared to 15 meters out
00:14:46and it'd be frustrating until next quarter
00:14:47of course they watched the Wallachs play japan next week in townsville
00:14:49Techle ! dochwyn meredith at cairns boy
00:14:53yes
00:14:55actually looking to retain his spot with that 10 jersey on the back
00:14:59home game next week
00:15:01replay the上 grads
00:15:02afternoon
00:15:03we will see
00:15:04you have to pop it up to기에
00:15:12we'll see
00:15:13here here's ala ala toa he gets brought down just short mcgrite mcgrite scores
00:15:27they extend the lead the wallabies fraser mcgrite in the tight exchanges wins the battle
00:15:35well that's where they've been their best this year the wallabies when they get inside the 22
00:15:40it's a great kick from meredith to set this up the mall doesn't play out the way they want
00:15:44but the pick and drive game the little movement of ball here you see there from bell to mcgrite
00:15:51gets him over the line fraser's become really good at this just being able to push his weight
00:15:56and extend himself out over the line did well to hold the ball too fraser mcgrite was up around
00:16:03above his shoulders to bring it back down and then get his body height down as well
00:16:10important try for the wallabies to hit straight backers this game can really start to open up now
00:16:19one again brings it around 28 plays 19
00:16:27you're certainly right tim it could open up but the wallabies they shouldn't want it to that was
00:16:31test match rugby and off the back of the turnover from angus bell which saved them around the middle
00:16:35of the park a long deep kick into 22 being pragmatic being efficient being smart winning the physical
00:16:42contest that was a test match rugby try wallabies need to remember the kind of footy they want to play
00:16:53the bench in the his last test match against italy had a bumper test match against france two tests ago
00:17:06one again goes high
00:17:11and jorgensen can't quite get the hands on it well one in the air in the end and here's cornelson
00:17:17again
00:17:18just shaking that first defender gunter with the pick and go japan making pretty easy meters at times
00:17:45he had many people telling him to let go of it
00:17:51he had many people telling him to let go of it
00:17:58he's emptying the tank with half an hour to play
00:18:07and some dominant carries a lovely inside ball there to title man come back for the penalty though
00:18:27he heard it there from the ref
00:18:30he never unheard that one but angus bell
00:18:32some of these players trying to let him know get off the ball
00:18:36good body shape just not on not wrapping the ball the japanese go to points for the first time in
00:18:43this game
00:18:43just trying to close that to within one try one converted try
00:18:46that's an interesting call from
00:18:49when it turns because
00:18:51while they still down to 14 men
00:18:54i'll get a player back
00:18:56you would expect to be jeremy williams come back out the next minute so
00:18:59i thought they might have gone for the corner and trying to drive that one over
00:19:03i'll tell you what
00:19:04mutsunaga is calling for the kicking tee here
00:19:06it's taking a bit of time
00:19:07we know that eddie jones doesn't like that
00:19:09if you remember
00:19:11back in the day
00:19:13morgan turanui sideline certainly does
00:19:16i'm trying to see if he's broken any walkie-talkies up there guys
00:19:19anything's been smashed
00:19:22where's the radio
00:19:23where's the kicking tee
00:19:27yeah interesting decision
00:19:30olibi's out by nine
00:19:32want to try and claw this lead back
00:19:42is to take it to a six point ball game
00:19:50it's a naga
00:19:52flags are up
00:19:53now it plays 22
00:20:05it's a straight down the middle as billy pollard comes onto the field
00:20:12so jeremy williams
00:20:15taniela tupo
00:20:16so
00:20:17leskis has decided now is the time
00:20:20fresh legs get some power game going
00:20:25pollard bell tupo and williams
00:20:30short kickoff
00:20:31and suali can't quite drag it in
00:20:35hasn't quite been able to get the handles on the ball tonight
00:20:38as joseph suali, and
00:20:41samasani tuap
00:20:42runs it back
00:20:47sato
00:20:49quick ball off the deck to tie to main
00:20:51down that left wing
00:20:53and a tackle there from wilson
00:20:58all of he's getting off the line
00:20:59trying to shut any
00:21:02room down for this japan team
00:21:04Oh, that one is wonderful feet there from Ito. Riley gets the offload. Ito has to go in there to
00:21:12support. Here's Saito.
00:21:15Derns, the captain, ever-present.
00:21:25Highball, Harry Potter underneath it. That one pulls eventually for Lonegan.
00:21:31The highball's been a real issue today for both teams.
00:21:36I think we've seen one clearly taken.
00:21:41He lays a long ball back.
00:21:45Wright kicks downfield.
00:21:49Back to 15-on-15 in this one.
00:21:54And, oh, Potter under some pressure.
00:21:57Has to keep his cool.
00:21:59Flings it back infield to Wright.
00:22:01Wright has a look now.
00:22:03What a chance to counter.
00:22:04Here's McWright now.
00:22:05Meredith, in fact.
00:22:06Meredith.
00:22:07Oh, upended on the 22.
00:22:09Ran into the wrong man there.
00:22:10Samasani Tua.
00:22:12Now the Wallabies have some numbers down the left, but, oh, can't quite hold onto it.
00:22:18Swalee under all sorts of pressure.
00:22:24Wollabies really making life difficult for themselves.
00:22:32Lonegan squirrels the kick away.
00:22:36And after another frantic passage of play, it'll be a Japan throw.
00:22:43Yes, great defence from Japan.
00:22:44They knew that Tom Wright and the Wallabies were going to go left quickly.
00:22:49Wallabies have got to do better than that.
00:22:51When you see an opportunity, you've got to be able to take those down the short side.
00:22:55They knew that Tom Wright has got to do better than that.
00:23:05It's number 23, Yuzaki coming onto the wing.
00:23:09Okay.
00:23:10Yeah, he's an excitement machine as well, this man.
00:23:18He's got some real toe about him.
00:23:32The one-handed take, it's a special one.
00:23:36Yanta with a barreling carry.
00:23:40Soto, he looks right, goes left.
00:23:42Here's Ito.
00:23:43And coming out of the line was Paisami looking to make the shot.
00:23:47But Ito slides off him and then gets the kick away.
00:23:51And now Meredith.
00:23:52Oh.
00:23:54Looks for the big torpedo clearance kick but can't get any metres again.
00:24:01See the fly half, Ito Morgz for Japan.
00:24:05Ball on the string at the moment.
00:24:07Great footwork and then left foot grubber in behind.
00:24:12Yeah, Ito, we'll see him for a while, that's for sure.
00:24:15And you know why there's been the confidence from Eddie Jones
00:24:18because he sees just a point of difference.
00:24:20And to be fair, he's been given some easy pictures
00:24:23telling them that they're racing out of the line saying,
00:24:25please step me.
00:24:26Wallaby's midfield defenders jamming into tackles they can't make
00:24:30and leaving opportunities and space in behind them, around them.
00:24:35Wallaby's lucky to hang on at the moment.
00:24:37And he's a danger man, that's for sure.
00:24:39A model Herrera on the field.
00:24:41Back up.
00:24:43Set.
00:24:43Set.
00:24:44Set.
00:24:44Set.
00:24:45Set.
00:24:46He hits the captain with his first throw.
00:24:48Here's Ito again.
00:24:49And Uotua and Paisami collide.
00:24:53Heavy collision in the midfield.
00:24:55Is Makisi now.
00:24:56Japan.
00:24:57Win the penalty.
00:25:08Win the penalty.
00:25:15Mon Gertz decides right in front of the post.
00:25:18We'll take three.
00:25:21Very quickly down this end of the field.
00:25:23The Japanese team.
00:25:25Really high ruck speed.
00:25:27And they'll take another three right in front of the post.
00:25:32And T came out quicker that time.
00:25:41Japanese are doing well just to build momentum.
00:25:44Just tick the scoreboard over.
00:25:46Keep pressure with some of those kicks that Morgantino is talking about.
00:25:50Earning some penalties.
00:25:54Staying away from the set-piece battle, which is starting to shape up
00:25:57with this reserve bench coming on before Taniela Tupo.
00:26:00Angus Bell, their scrum's only getting stronger towards the back end of this game.
00:26:07And Matsunaga does it easily.
00:26:1128 plays 26. It's a one-score game.
00:26:1425, rather.
00:26:19Excellent play from Japan.
00:26:21Just controlling temper.
00:26:23They're not always mad, they're not always speed.
00:26:25They're controlling where the game is played as well.
00:26:28Very encouraging part of this second half for them.
00:26:31Now they've got to efficiently get out of their own zone themselves.
00:26:37High kick-off there.
00:26:38And it's gone forward off the hands and into the hands of Williams.
00:26:42Now the chance for the Wallabies to reply.
00:26:47They've had very little ball in this part of the field in this second half.
00:26:51And the ball is all over the shot.
00:26:54McRite picks it up.
00:26:55He lost it forward in the end.
00:26:58I'll tell you what.
00:27:01They're going to play that knock on.
00:27:04Fraser McRite.
00:27:06Heard Owen Cross say they've called advantage over.
00:27:10Yeah, that's unlucky for the Wallabies.
00:27:12That's a quick advantage.
00:27:14This modern game that is called up from that initial Japanese knock on.
00:27:22And here the crowd with the call of Leach.
00:27:26Michael Leach is on the field.
00:27:28How is he still playing?
00:27:30Michael Leach, 37 years of age.
00:27:33The star of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
00:27:36What a player he's been for many, many years for this Japanese team.
00:27:42One of the heroes of the side.
00:27:44Morgz.
00:27:46I think they fixed that advantage.
00:27:48I think they worked it out.
00:27:49This will be Wallabies' feed to the scrum.
00:27:51They got it right eventually.
00:27:53It was madness that that was advantage over.
00:27:55So they worked out.
00:27:56Wallabies now have Declan Meredith, Tom Wright at the back of a midfield scrum,
00:28:00right in front of the post.
00:28:02This is an important moment in this match.
00:28:13This is a Wallabies' scrum in the end.
00:28:15And they get the penalty.
00:28:21Big call here for Harry Wilson.
00:28:26Let's go.
00:28:27Let's go.
00:28:28Pack another one.
00:28:32Keep the pressure on, scrum time.
00:28:39As we just discussed before, with the Japanese going to take the points,
00:28:44take the three.
00:28:46And this is why.
00:28:48Knock-ons, they'll start to pre-pend late in this game.
00:28:51Taniela Tupo, Angus Bell, Billy Pollard on.
00:28:54It's a hell of a formidable front row now.
00:28:57This Japanese team has to face.
00:28:59It's a good decision.
00:29:01Opportunity to earn a card.
00:29:04One or two more scrums' time.
00:29:07Set.
00:29:12And another penalty advantage.
00:29:14Leach wraps up Lonergan, but...
00:29:17Release, take it, release, go!
00:29:19It's been told to release Lonergan now.
00:29:22It's here.
00:29:23The ball nearly gets out of the grasp of Canham.
00:29:26In fact, it does, but the whistle goes again.
00:29:28This time, Meredith goes quickly.
00:29:30Oh, and Lonergan saves the day for him.
00:29:34Spares him his blushes, but the penalty goes the Japan's way.
00:29:39Oh, and that is a big mix-up from the Wallabies.
00:29:44And that's just inexperience from Declan Meredith.
00:29:48The calmness that was required.
00:29:52Joseph Sueli shakes his head.
00:29:54So would Harry Wilson, the skipper, as well.
00:29:58Turned down two opportunities to take three points on the backies' team.
00:30:03Take another scrum.
00:30:06Now the pressure comes back on the Wallabies.
00:30:11Good work there by Ben Gunter over the ball.
00:30:15Top turnovers in the nation championships in July.
00:30:19It's a big man, but it's great shape over the ball.
00:30:23Tin and Costley coming on for Japan,
00:30:25but we've got a three-minute water break now.
00:30:28What about this second half?
00:30:31This will be a good opportunity for the Wallabies
00:30:33just to regroup a little bit.
00:30:38Harry Wilson, Fraser McWright, Valentini,
00:30:42the experienced players, just to get around the team.
00:30:46Morgan Turanui is sideline.
00:30:48Morgs, how did the Wallabies wrestle back some momentum in this game?
00:30:54Well, a couple of things, guys.
00:30:56You need tactical maturity at test level.
00:30:58I know it's early in Declan Meredith's career,
00:30:59but that's a really poor decision.
00:31:01You're at number ten.
00:31:02You've got to know what the team is tactically doing.
00:31:04That is, trying to push for a yellow card
00:31:06in a great situation to have a third scrum in front of the posts
00:31:10with possible penalty advantage,
00:31:13possible try-scoring opportunity,
00:31:15possible yellow card.
00:31:16That's a lesson for the Wallabies as a group.
00:31:19You mentioned the word frantic a while back there, Swanee,
00:31:22and they don't need to be frantic.
00:31:23They just need to execute their skills,
00:31:25and what they have done is, I think,
00:31:27pulled the trigger on some fresh legs.
00:31:28Ben Donaldson is out there.
00:31:30Tate McDermott is out there, as is Charlie Cale.
00:31:36So, changes afoot for this Wallabies team at this water break.
00:31:41The second half, Tim Horan has been end-to-end for both sides.
00:31:46Yeah, I think this strike three minutes after the halftime break
00:31:50showed what the Wallabies didn't really do in the first 40 minutes.
00:31:54A bit more direct, a couple of strong carries.
00:32:00Max Jorgensen, a couple of metres out, went over the line,
00:32:03and then hoops.
00:32:05They sat back, then the Japanese hit back really quickly,
00:32:10which put more scoreboard pressure on the Wallabies.
00:32:13Yeah, well, you heard Morgan Turley talk about
00:32:15some of the decisions the centres are making for this Wallabies team
00:32:18in defence coming out and in.
00:32:20Way off their man trying to make a read,
00:32:22and it's not working out how they would like.
00:32:24You can hear Fraser McWright through some good forwards play.
00:32:27Forward movement so close to the line.
00:32:29Angus Bell to Fraser.
00:32:30They go over and score another five-pointer.
00:32:34There's Charlie Cale, his first test match for about two years
00:32:38in the gold jersey.
00:32:39He's got nine tries in nine matches in Super Rugby this year.
00:32:44He can sniff out the try line.
00:32:47And lots of changes coming.
00:32:50Donaldson on as well as McDermott.
00:32:53Tom Wright dragging the players across field.
00:32:58Leach does well to stay in play.
00:33:01How did they keep it in Japan?
00:33:04Togo Uchi still on the field.
00:33:08Yusuf!
00:33:13Saito goes high and contestable once again.
00:33:16And Donaldson taps it back for Meredith.
00:33:19Contact look high.
00:33:22Here's McDermott.
00:33:24Bell, Donaldson, Paisami.
00:33:27Now they've got a bit of width for Wallabies.
00:33:29Swalee draws and passes.
00:33:31Jorgensen stepping and accelerating now
00:33:34and beating the man.
00:33:36Max Jorgensen with a scything run upfield.
00:33:45That's great hands from Cale.
00:33:47Jorgensen was looking for a player on his outside.
00:33:50Couldn't find it.
00:33:51Held on to it in the end.
00:33:55McDermott to Angus Bell.
00:33:56Angus Bell soaks the first tackle
00:33:58and then runs into Warner Derns.
00:34:03McDermott again.
00:34:03Paisami.
00:34:05Meredith looking to get the timing right.
00:34:10McDermott was looking for Tupou
00:34:12and now they look to dribble it in behind.
00:34:16Ito just cleverly collects it.
00:34:19It's play on though.
00:34:21Again, it's helter-skelter.
00:34:22Here's Paisami dummying
00:34:24and throwing the left arm out
00:34:25and then throws a ball three metres forward.
00:34:30Didn't need to throw that last pass.
00:34:34The player was there
00:34:37but it's a Japan feed to the scrum
00:34:40with just over 15 to play.
00:34:44Just pushing the pass.
00:34:46The last couple of passes,
00:34:47the Wallabics need to trust
00:34:50getting another phase play in.
00:34:53Paisami.
00:34:54Good left arm, palm
00:34:55and then try to throw the ball back into Charlie Cale.
00:34:58Japan number four, substitution.
00:35:00I don't think it was a bad decision,
00:35:01just bad skill execution there
00:35:03to get that ball away.
00:35:04Yes, it does go forward.
00:35:05And here's the Queensland-born Harry Hawkins
00:35:09plays for Suntory.
00:35:11He's a big feature in their team, Timmy.
00:35:14Jack Cornelson, great test match from him,
00:35:16the son of a wonderful Wallaby
00:35:19in Greg Cornelson and Harry Hawkins.
00:35:24Left the Queensland Reds at the start of COVID
00:35:26to go over and play in Japan
00:35:30as it's stayed on.
00:35:31Had a handful of test matches now, Harry Hawkins.
00:35:35He's an excellent lock replacement for Cornelson.
00:35:40He and Derns, that's certainly some,
00:35:44a couple of skyscrapers right there
00:35:46in the Japan second row.
00:35:50Crouch!
00:35:54Find!
00:35:57Set!
00:35:58And down!
00:36:00Wallaby's looking to put pressure on it.
00:36:02Scrum time again.
00:36:03Tupou really pressuring that right-hand side
00:36:09of the scrum.
00:36:10So it's a high this time.
00:36:14No contest here for Donaldson.
00:36:17Flings it back infield
00:36:18and looking in behind
00:36:19looking for a 50-22.
00:36:22It's been well marked
00:36:23at the back there though.
00:36:26Quite a main.
00:36:36It's gone.
00:36:38It's gone.
00:36:40They tap it
00:36:43and then send the ball upfield.
00:36:45Great clearance.
00:36:48One, two, three.
00:36:50Gutsongs.
00:36:52Yes.
00:37:00Morgan Teranui on the sideline.
00:37:03What's this Wallaby back line
00:37:04looking like with all the replacements?
00:37:08It's an interesting one
00:37:09with Tom Wright on the left wing.
00:37:11We haven't seen a lot.
00:37:11Ben Donaldson's gone to fullback
00:37:13as expected.
00:37:14It's Harry Potter that was
00:37:15a tactical substitution,
00:37:17not an injury.
00:37:19It might have been the opportunity
00:37:21to see Suali to the back free
00:37:22but they didn't take it.
00:37:25Ollard goes to the front
00:37:26and he finds Cale.
00:37:31McDermott.
00:37:32Wide to Paisami.
00:37:33Wrapping around.
00:37:34Jorgensen.
00:37:35Wide ball again to right.
00:37:37Who puts it on the left toe.
00:37:39And again,
00:37:40just looking to try and pin this Japan team
00:37:43deep in their half
00:37:44but another good clearance kick
00:37:46this time by Matsunaga.
00:37:48Four, one, four, three.
00:37:52That might have been a good opportunity
00:37:54for Tom Wright to come off his left foot
00:37:55and come back infield,
00:37:57retain a bit of possession.
00:38:00Four, lads.
00:38:00Three, two, three.
00:38:04Real tight one here in Osaka.
00:38:07Three points in it.
00:38:10Three points in it.
00:38:12Who will blink first?
00:38:15Who will blink first?
00:38:16All of these go deep.
00:38:29All of these go deep.
00:38:30Touch line.
00:38:32Osami, Meredith wrapping around, Jorgensen needs some numbers in there.
00:38:38Do the Wallabies.
00:38:40Mukwright now.
00:38:41Oh, it's whacked in the tackle.
00:38:44Japan now starting to hit with some sting.
00:38:47Short ball.
00:38:49Lovely line there from Williams.
00:38:52McDermott having a look now.
00:38:54Will it open up for him?
00:38:56Hands up getting caught.
00:38:57Hockings over the ball.
00:38:59Angus Bell does well in the contact.
00:39:05Soaks in three Japanese defenders and earns the penalty.
00:39:11Attackers on the wrong side.
00:39:13Yeah, that's the right call.
00:39:15Japanese players all in around the wrong side of the ball.
00:39:19Very similar call was made for the Wallabies some 10, 15 minutes earlier.
00:39:26Now, Declan Meredith from this position kicked a very similar one deep into the Japanese half.
00:39:33We'll do it again.
00:39:37Likes that one.
00:39:40Yeah, so did these teammates getting around him.
00:39:44Les Kiss enjoying his first test match as Wallabies coach.
00:39:49Is that a nervous smile, Tim Horan?
00:39:53With 12 minutes to go it is, Wallabies at the right end of the field.
00:39:57What can Harry Hockings do here?
00:39:59Can he steal this line out?
00:40:02I'd go up if I was Japan.
00:40:04Put pressure on this Billy Pollard throw.
00:40:17Kale at the front, Pollard wrapping around, looking for the inside ball to Jorgensen.
00:40:24It went backwards.
00:40:27It's all led off for the Wallabies, but the execution, not perfect.
00:40:33There's the inside ball to Kale again.
00:40:37Gunter over it.
00:40:39Penalty advantage.
00:40:43Wallabies just starting to get a bit of momentum back.
00:40:48McDermott, McDermott looking for Kale.
00:40:51Brought down two metres short.
00:40:55Wilson.
00:40:58Wallabies within striking distance.
00:41:00Derns wraps up Paisami.
00:41:05Slow ball, but here it is.
00:41:12Tupou!
00:41:15That's his range.
00:41:17And the Wallabies extend their lead.
00:41:20Taniello Tupou under the posts.
00:41:23It's nice patience from this Wallabies team.
00:41:26The forward pack said, give me the ball.
00:41:28We're going to take it all the way.
00:41:31Angus Bell.
00:41:32Taniello Tupou.
00:41:33It's a really important clean out there from Jeremy Williams at one stage early.
00:41:38Taniello Tupou.
00:41:40Low body height.
00:41:41Under the posts.
00:41:43Wallabies stretch this lead.
00:41:46No, he won't get credited with the try, Jeremy Williams, but I agree.
00:41:50Timmy Hoare, an outstanding clean out on the outside of the pool carrier before this one that went over the
00:41:55try line.
00:41:56Makes all the difference.
00:41:58The Japanese team and defenders can't recover.
00:42:01Get around the corner.
00:42:02Opens up that space for Taniello Tupou.
00:42:10Donaldson from right in front.
00:42:13Flags are up.
00:42:14And the Wallabies with a handy 10-point lead now.
00:42:20Well, you singled out, Jeremy Williams, that there were numerous Wallabies in the lead-up, but also in how they
00:42:24got down there.
00:42:25Good, strong carry.
00:42:26Tate McDermott threatening around the ruck, but first arriving player breakdown, making the Japanese in fridge.
00:42:32That was quite simply 90 seconds of test match rugby from the Wallabies, and that's how they need to finish
00:42:37off this game.
00:42:43Frantic pace this match has been played at, but moments of test match rugby.
00:42:48Ooh, it's cannibal.
00:42:49Where's a big shot there?
00:42:52Miyazaki on that left wing.
00:43:03McDermott told to use it.
00:43:10And he puts it straight into touch.
00:43:13Good exit from the Wallabies.
00:43:18Such a great play to have coming off, coming off the bench, rather, for Les Kies, Tate McDermott.
00:43:25Such a threat in and out of the ruck.
00:43:28Passing game is getting better and better, and same with his kicking game, becoming much more regular with his box
00:43:33kicks.
00:43:33He's such a threat.
00:43:37Not far away from seeing Wallaby 9-9-9, Isaac Henry on the field.
00:43:42In fact, here he is.
00:43:44A proud moment for Isaac Henry.
00:43:47His parents, Vaughan and Nicky, are there, watching him in his test to boot.
00:43:53One more Wallaby till 1,000.
00:43:56He sneaks in under.
00:44:01Congratulations to Isaac Henry.
00:44:05Japan in possession here.
00:44:10Double-team tackle there from McRite and Wilson.
00:44:13The old buddies.
00:44:14Here's Hawkins.
00:44:17A loping carry into Wallaby territory.
00:44:23Japan with this direct style.
00:44:26And just holding the ball up for Hawkins.
00:44:30Was Wenebo.
00:44:32It's been lost forward, but it's play on.
00:44:36Cannon bats it back for McDermott, who's under pressure now.
00:44:39Wallaby's dicing with a bit of drama here.
00:44:42Cale, though, does pretty well in the end.
00:44:47That's a way at rock foot.
00:44:49Go, go, go, go.
00:44:50Go, go, go.
00:44:51Go, go, go.
00:44:51Go, go, go.
00:44:52Go, go, go, go.
00:44:52Go, go, go, go, go.
00:44:53Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go,
00:44:53go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
00:44:55Horsting, watching some of these moments.
00:45:01But the Wallaby's survive.
00:45:03They hold on to that 10-point lead.
00:45:06Less than 10 to play.
00:45:07McDermott sends play down for Eidon.
00:45:10Yazaki coughs it up.
00:45:13And that is a big moment in this game.
00:45:19The Wallaby's throwing the ball from behind their own try line.
00:45:24Tate McDermott did well to get out to Charlie Carl, who just bided a little bit of time.
00:45:29And Yazaki putting that one down.
00:45:33Recalling that throwing.
00:45:35Tidby behind.
00:45:35It was clubbing from Josh Canham there.
00:45:39Well done for the Wallaby's team to move that ball wide.
00:45:43You see Tate McDermott as the boys just get a little bit of a break.
00:45:46Put his hand up.
00:45:47He wasn't happy with where that kick landed.
00:45:50Yazaki just puts it down.
00:45:52And now let's watch the Wallaby's get to work in at scrum time.
00:45:56This could create a huge opportunity off the back of this Japanese era.
00:46:02Well both these teams will board a plane tomorrow.
00:46:05And head to Brisbane on the same flight.
00:46:08Before they have a couple of days in Brisbane.
00:46:10Then head next Saturday 2.30pm in Townsville.
00:46:14North Queensland.
00:46:15The second test match.
00:46:18Daytime rugby in Townsville.
00:46:21It's going to be warm.
00:46:22Just like Osaka.
00:46:23Morgan Turanui.
00:46:26Yeah it is.
00:46:27It's probably the first time in test match history that a match in Townsville might be kinder conditions than the
00:46:33one they've come from.
00:46:34Sharing that same flight.
00:46:35I'm actually hitching a ride on the same flight.
00:46:37And I'll tell you what.
00:46:39Players and staff for both teams on that flight.
00:46:41You don't want to be the losing team doing that walk onto the flight.
00:46:46Turning left or turning right.
00:46:49You know me Timmy.
00:46:50I'm not you.
00:46:50I'm humble.
00:46:51I'm right up the back.
00:46:52I'll probably serve the meals or something like that.
00:46:56Yeah serving the meals.
00:46:57How many Katsu Curry's up there Morgz?
00:47:01Oh I'll tell you what.
00:47:02There's been some good wagyu.
00:47:03I'm not going to lie.
00:47:05I know you love Ruby Murray as well.
00:47:07Well I might have dropped a couple of kilos with the heat.
00:47:10That's what I'm telling myself.
00:47:11Yeah.
00:47:12A really important six minutes now for the Wallabies to try and close this game out.
00:47:17Experienced players on the field.
00:47:18McDermott.
00:47:21Oh and Japan get the penalty this time around.
00:47:26And he's been marched as well.
00:47:33And Otsuka gets a pat on the back.
00:47:40A reserve loose head prop for Japan.
00:47:45He's done a brilliant job.
00:47:46And that one is a lovely kick to the corner as well.
00:47:51A big chance here for Japan.
00:47:54Well Hoops you think the Wallabies will just defend this.
00:47:57They probably don't throw anyone up.
00:47:59Maybe at the front.
00:48:01Let them have it at the front.
00:48:02Not the back of the line out.
00:48:15Hockings.
00:48:16Hockings.
00:48:17Lose it down.
00:48:19Wallabies get the mall defense going.
00:48:22Harada.
00:48:26And that is decimated that mall by the Wallabies.
00:48:32Saito gets the ball back though.
00:48:33He's got up.
00:48:34Runs into the big shoulders of Tania Latupo.
00:48:38Saito goes short side.
00:48:39Little kick ahead.
00:48:40McDermott does well.
00:48:41And will come back for the penalty.
00:48:47It was Harry Wilson who pulled the mall down.
00:48:52So that just looked like outstanding Wallaby defense come mall time.
00:48:59You're right, Timmy Horan.
00:49:00Wallabies forwards stay down.
00:49:03Empty themselves into that driving mall attempt from the Japanese ball pack.
00:49:08Seemed to do a really good job.
00:49:10The referees didn't see it that way.
00:49:12So they'll get another shot and hit.
00:49:15Into the final four minutes of this test match.
00:49:25Go to Kostly at the front this time.
00:49:30And the Wallabies just digging down.
00:49:33Harada in control at the back.
00:49:37Now Saito told to use it.
00:49:39Tua.
00:49:40A rush up on him.
00:49:41His opposite number, Paisami, makes the tackle.
00:49:44But he was offside.
00:49:46Penalty advantage.
00:49:48Leach.
00:49:51Saito.
00:49:53Finds the runner now.
00:49:55Saito sends it wide.
00:49:56Meredith has to make the spot tackle.
00:50:01It's still there for Japan.
00:50:03And they barrel their way over.
00:50:11Hawkins.
00:50:11Dropped short.
00:50:16Now they kick across field.
00:50:19Donaldson.
00:50:20Hearing after.
00:50:22Yazaki.
00:50:23Whistle goes.
00:50:24Will come back.
00:50:38Coming back for the offside penalty.
00:50:43Owen Cross just wants a number.
00:50:46One.
00:50:46One.
00:50:48One.
00:50:49One.
00:50:51One.
00:50:52One.
00:50:53One.
00:50:54One.
00:50:54One.
00:50:55Was hunted Paisami.
00:50:59Tried the line out a couple of times.
00:51:0223 offside from the line.
00:51:05Isaac Henry, in fact.
00:51:08So tap move coming.
00:51:10The reserve front row.
00:51:13Saito.
00:51:14To Costley.
00:51:18Henry makes the tackle.
00:51:23Wallaby's defending vigorously here.
00:51:27The pick and go.
00:51:28Just short.
00:51:30It's there for Derns.
00:51:34They're going to have a look.
00:51:38The captain.
00:51:40Let's go.
00:51:40Let go, please.
00:51:43He had a dig.
00:51:46I have the ball clearly on the ground here, so I'm going to give it a try.
00:51:49Lads, I have the ball clearly on the ground.
00:51:52It's a try to the captain.
00:51:53What a dance.
00:51:57And doesn't he deserve that to skip up?
00:52:00He's been excellent in this test match.
00:52:04He's led this Japanese team.
00:52:06He's gone through the middle.
00:52:07He's broken a couple of tackles in that first half and the second half.
00:52:12Defensively outstanding.
00:52:16Nice pick and drive close to the line.
00:52:18There is still time left.
00:52:22Matsunaga adds the extras.
00:52:2535 plays, 32.
00:52:28Just a minute to play.
00:52:35Had to come, didn't it?
00:52:37Good work from Japan.
00:52:38They're just winning some of the contacts when it's man-on-man, front-on-front.
00:52:42It's not just weak inside shoulders they're chasing.
00:52:45There's nutrition.
00:52:47And isn't he a great leader, Warner Derns?
00:52:50The Wallabies taking their time, getting back.
00:52:53Want to be composed.
00:52:56Great crowd here this evening.
00:52:5821,322 of them supporting Japan.
00:53:02Smattering of gold jerseys.
00:53:04A great traditional rugby stadium here in Hanazono and Osaka.
00:53:09So, a minute to play.
00:53:12Meredith goes deep with the kickoff.
00:53:15The Wallabies will want to keep Japan in their own heart here as costly.
00:53:22Has a little run.
00:53:24We're going to attack, attack, attack.
00:53:26And Tua takes play out of the 22.
00:53:31The Wallabies defending for their life here.
00:53:38Now they spin it wide.
00:53:41A nice flick inside there.
00:53:43To Tua.
00:53:49Henry makes the spot tackle.
00:53:56Wallabies need to watch their discipline here.
00:53:59Oh, big tackle on Leach.
00:54:01It's gone forward.
00:54:03And now Paisami just needs to hold on to it.
00:54:06The Wallabies just need to retain possession here.
00:54:12Take it away.
00:54:16Tupou.
00:54:18Siren sounds.
00:54:22And it's been put into touch by Jorgensen.
00:54:27The Leskis era starts with a Wallabies win.
00:54:32But it's a heart stopper.
00:54:35Here in Osaka.
00:54:38Full-time.
00:54:40Australia 35.
00:54:42Japan 32.
00:54:47And hugs all around in the coach's box, Tim Horan.
00:54:51A lot of relief from the Wallaby coaches.
00:54:54But it's a great performance from both teams.
00:54:57Japan are always so hard to beat at home.
00:55:00Great moment there from Harry Wilson, the skipper, going up to Ben Gunner.
00:55:04The team mates, the Gunnedah Red Devils in junior days.
00:55:08The red card.
00:55:09Miles Amatisero didn't help the Wallabies.
00:55:14But it's a real challenge for this Wallaby team.
00:55:17The continuity.
00:55:18A couple of mistakes throughout the match.
00:55:21They'll go to Townsville and play the second test match next Saturday afternoon.
00:55:27Well, as we said, Leskis starts his coaching reign of this Wallabies team with a win.
00:55:34Michael Atkinson.
00:55:35It's a scratchy one, but a win is a win.
00:55:38Certainly right, Andrew Swain.
00:55:40The record books will say Leskis' first game in charge of the Wallabies will go down as a win.
00:55:46But right now, we are probably all thinking, thank you for that final siren.
00:55:51Because that was anxiety juicing.
00:55:52It was nerve-wracking.
00:55:53It was anything but clean and comfortable for Leskis.
00:55:56As you welcome Michael Hooper onto the panel.
00:55:58You had the pleasure of calling every moment of that, Hoops.
00:56:01It was as nerve-wracking in the commentary seat as it was just sitting and watching the game for us.
00:56:06Well, I had to transition down from commentary down to here in that last five minutes.
00:56:10So it did get a little bit spicy.
00:56:12Look, it was a great game.
00:56:13I think the Japanese played very well.
00:56:15The Wallabies did enough.
00:56:17And look, if you said before the game you just want to take a win,
00:56:19all you want to do is take a win as a Wallaby side.
00:56:21And I'm sure Leskis, and they did that tonight.
00:56:23I thought what was really clever from the Japanese side was their use of tactical kicking.
00:56:28They went to ground.
00:56:29They went high.
00:56:30They made sure that they kept the Wallaby defensive pattern.
00:56:34Guessing what they were going to do.
00:56:35They couldn't settle into a rhythm.
00:56:37But then you look at that Wallaby team, and particularly off the bench,
00:56:39the players that came off the bench absolutely made a difference.
00:56:43Some really tough passages of play.
00:56:45The amount of minutes in play.
00:56:47That was a high-octane, high-skill execution game.
00:56:50That was a very competitive test match.
00:56:52I mean, talk about the impact of players off the bench.
00:56:55The scrum in particular for Australia, apart from that very last one,
00:56:58which the Japanese got a penalty against the feet,
00:57:00was an impressive part of the back half of the game for Australia.
00:57:04Absolutely.
00:57:04And it shows the importance of understanding how to select a team.
00:57:08And that's when you start to talk about head coaches and tactics.
00:57:11How they can influence the game during the game.
00:57:13When to make a substitution.
00:57:15When to make a read on bringing someone into the game.
00:57:17What have they told them to do and what they want them to do.
00:57:20Very important for this Wallaby team.
00:57:22And that's what we see from this Wallaby team now.
00:57:24That is a high-pressure situation that they've handled.
00:57:27Of course, it's uneasy watching that.
00:57:29The notion that the Wallabies have been pushed all the way by Japan
00:57:32is a little bit strange still.
00:57:34But the gap is closing now.
00:57:36That is a good victory first up for Leskis' men.
00:57:38Yeah, well, we know Japan beat Italy in July.
00:57:42The first Test match of the Nations Championship that they played.
00:57:44The following week, they pushed Ireland right to the edge
00:57:48when they played them in Newcastle as well.
00:57:49Michael Hooper, as someone who has played for the Wallabies 125 times,
00:57:54captained them more than anyone else.
00:57:56How would the players feel that perspective after full-time for the Wallabies?
00:58:02They win.
00:58:03They win ugly.
00:58:04It's scrappy.
00:58:06Maybe the Japanese were unlucky at times.
00:58:09But how do you feel as a Wallabies player on the field after that final whistle?
00:58:12I think exhausted.
00:58:13Like, you know, we saw some of the contacts out there on the field.
00:58:16You just heard Justin Harrison talking about some of the long passages of play.
00:58:19We heard about that three-minute one right in that first half.
00:58:22Like, that just blows the cobwebs straight out.
00:58:24That's going to be hard.
00:58:25And particularly when you've had a whole week of preparation up there.
00:58:28So I think, first and foremost, the feeling physically is going to be tired.
00:58:31Mentally, they'll be happy with the win.
00:58:33Obviously, walking away from that.
00:58:34And I think that you can see on their faces a little bit of relief as well to get that
00:58:38one under the belt.
00:58:39I think they'd be looking at that test match going, there's so much more that they can
00:58:43do in the positive that they didn't do out there tonight.
00:58:46So I think they'll be really excited with what they can do in the future.
00:58:50Well, let's get some reaction from inside.
00:58:51Hannah Zona at Rugby Stadium.
00:58:53It's over to Morgan Turunui.
00:58:56I thought they were really good.
00:58:58Thanks, Atko here with Wallabies fly-half, Declan Merritt.
00:59:00Declan, is it a case of a win is a win is a win?
00:59:02What are your immediate thoughts?
00:59:04Yeah, well, we knew it was going to be a tough game.
00:59:06Japan are a quality side.
00:59:07And they'll show that tonight.
00:59:09Yeah, we'll definitely take the win.
00:59:10But I think a lot of positives.
00:59:11You know, we are new coaching staff.
00:59:13A lot of positives out of that game.
00:59:15A lot to build on for next week.
00:59:16And throughout the game, what did you think?
00:59:18A lot of times when you got a good kick to the line out in the 22, you got to
00:59:21convert.
00:59:21But there were massive positives there.
00:59:23Were there other times you thought as a group you could control the match better?
00:59:26Yeah, I think we spoke about a half-time.
00:59:28If we exited well, a bit better.
00:59:30When we were in their half, we looked very well with the ball.
00:59:32We looked very good.
00:59:33So we showed that a couple of times, scoring quick tries every time we got in their half.
00:59:36So I think we just tied up our exit game, get down their end.
00:59:39We know we're a very powerful attacking team.
00:59:41And defensively, is there anything you were trying to do differently?
00:59:43Scott McLeod, new defensive coach.
00:59:45Les Kistew, head coach.
00:59:46Anything that we might have seen that is different or that you were attempting to do?
00:59:50I think we got a lot of boys with different strengths in our D-line.
00:59:53I think we just wanted them to show those strengths in that.
00:59:56And then I think boys execute that well tonight.
00:59:58So we're still trying to find that continuity.
01:00:00But again, a lot of positives that I think we'll go into next week for them.
01:00:04Okay.
01:00:04And Japan, what did you think of them?
01:00:05You've got to play them again next week.
01:00:07They're exactly as you expected.
01:00:09We thought, you know, on turnover, in transition, they'd be dangerous.
01:00:12Is that what you expected?
01:00:13Yeah, we knew they were a quality side and they want to play fast.
01:00:15Turnovers, they're fundamental there.
01:00:16So we knew we were going to shut that out.
01:00:18Going into next week, we know we've got to be better there.
01:00:20So exit better.
01:00:22Hopefully conditions are a bit cooler in Townsville.
01:00:24But we're excited to get back one in a shower.
01:00:26Thanks for your time.
01:00:27Go recover.
01:00:27Cheers, mate.
01:00:28Thanks.
01:00:29Thank you, Morgan.
01:00:30Great to hear from Declan Meredith, who had some good moments, had some trying moments as well.
01:00:36One area that was really strong tonight, he's kicking to touch.
01:00:40There's a couple of kicks he had in the second half.
01:00:43You know, he's a long way out from the line here, Justin.
01:00:45He manages to put the Wallabies right up under that five-metre line.
01:00:48As a forward, as a lock, as a line-out general, how big does it have a player who can
01:00:53put you in that position?
01:00:54Well, it's easy yards.
01:00:55It's a huge energy boost for the forwards to be moving into an attacking position straight away from a line
01:01:02-out.
01:01:02Never up, never in.
01:01:03You always want your kicking to be going for as much territory as possible.
01:01:08Get as much...
01:01:09It's so hard to get a penalty or to get that ball moving forward in any other way.
01:01:13If you're going to get a kick and a shot at the sideline, get it as close as you can.
01:01:17It's great.
01:01:18I really like that he went for it back into the game.
01:01:20I like that Les kept him on for 80 minutes.
01:01:22His performance itself was a bit of a game of snakes and ladders.
01:01:26It was up.
01:01:27It had moments where he fell back down.
01:01:28And all in all, I think the ability and the confidence to do that late in the game, I think
01:01:33Harry Wilson will be really proud of him.
01:01:35I think Les Kiss will be happy with him, rolling that out there for that 80 minutes.
01:01:39No, it wasn't the best performance.
01:01:40And we've talked about that quick tap and that man on screen with the red card.
01:01:45That would be unfortunate.
01:01:46And they'll go away and look at some of the things they can do a bit better.
01:01:49But all in all, I think they've got to walk away happy with their win, but not over the moon.
01:01:55The Les Kiss era is off to a winning start.
01:01:57It'll be a scratchy one.
01:01:59Still plenty more to come on Stan Sport.
01:02:01More analysis.
01:02:02Plus, we'll chat to Les Kiss, Harry Wilson and Japan coach Eddie Jones as well.
01:02:07There's also plenty of football on Stan Sport.
01:02:10The Premier League not far away.
01:02:11And to just give us a little preview of what's to come, here's Niamh Owens and Mark Bosnich.
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