Wallabies face Japan in Osaka heat
The Wallabies are set to begin a new era under coach Les Kiss with a match against Japan in Osaka. Forecasts indicate temperatures could reach 36C during the day before the evening kick-off. Kiss acknowledged the challenging conditions, stating that the match would be “quite heated” and “quite hot.” He also mentioned enjoying his initial weeks as coach, describing the experience as “cool” despite the pressure.
Kiss has largely maintained the core of the squad that concluded Joe Schmidt’s tenure, which included six losses followed by a win against Italy last month. He emphasised the importance of balancing continuity with the need for fresh talent. The coach noted that the team selection, including the balance between the starting XV and the bench, was made with the anticipated conditions in mind.
Ryan Lonergan will start at scrum-half, with Tate McDermott coming off the bench. Declan Meredith is named at number 10. Ben Donaldson will provide backup from the bench. Hunter Paisami is included at inside centre, replacing Len Ikitau. The rest of the backline remains consistent with the team that played against Italy. In the forward pack, Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero are set to make their first starts for the Wallabies.
New faces and familiar challenges
Aidan Ross, who previously made international appearances for the All Blacks in 2022, expressed his enthusiasm for his first start with the Wallabies. He shared his appreciation for Kiss’s coaching style, highlighting the coach’s passion and focus on both the team and personal aspects. Ross made the move to Queensland ahead of the British & Irish Lions Tour last July, debuting for the Reds, where Kiss was then in charge.
Ross debuted for the Wallabies against Eddie Jones’ Japan last October, featuring in a four-point victory and two subsequent matches during the Autumn Nations Series. He likened the current Osaka conditions to those experienced in Australia’s River City, noting that the team is prepared to “embrace it.”
Japan, under former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, is currently ranked two places below Australia. Last month, Japan defeated Italy 27-10 before experiencing losses to Ireland and France. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson acknowledged Japan’s strong performance against Italy, particularly their forward pack. He also noted that Japan remained competitive for a significant portion of their match against France.
Jones stated that Japan is aiming to minimise any gap between the teams this weekend, recognising the pressure on the experienced Australian side. The Japanese team includes four naturalised Australians: Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter, and Harry Hockings. Wilson mentioned his friendship with Hockings, who left the Reds in 2020 to play in Tokyo and debuted for the Brave Blossoms last year.
Kiss’s first squad, named in July, introduced three new players: lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, prop Isaac Kailea, and centre Isaac Henry. Of these, only Henry was named in the team against Japan and may make his debut from the substitutes’ bench. The team for the match includes Tom Wright at fullback, Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter on the wings, and Joseph Suaalii at outside centre. Harry Wilson will captain the side from number 8.
The team selection for the match against Japan is as follows:
- 15-Tom Wright
- 14-Max Jorgensen
- 13-Joseph Suaalii
- 12-Hunter Paisami
- 11-Harry Potter
- 10-Declan Meredith
- 9-Ryan Lonergan
- 8-Harry Wilson (captain)
- 7-Fraser McReight
- 6-Rob Valetini
- 5-Miles Amatosero
- 4-Josh Canham
- 3-Allan Alaalatoa
- 2-Josh Nasser
- 1-Aidan Ross
Replacements include Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Isaac Henry.
The Wallabies will face the Brave Blossoms in Osaka this weekend.
Source: theguardian.com
