Aidan Ross 5.5
The Wallabies are still struggling to provide a regular tag-team partner for Angus Bell, and the search continues. Ross was busy in defence with 11 tackles, but was barely used in open play, making just four metres with the ball.
Josh Nasser 6
Nasser was strong from the set piece and provided a solid lineout with his throwing. Didn’t let anyone down, especially after the recent impressive form of Brandon Paenga Amosa.
Allan Alaalatoa 5.5
It was brutal conditions for any front rower in Osaka, and, like Ross, was busy in defence as the Wallabies struggled to deal with early Japanese onslaughts. Made nine tackles and had little chance to do much else.
Josh Canham 8
Canham just keeps getting better and better as a Test second-rower. Athletic, great hands and even put in a clearing kick from the Wallabies line.
Won five lineouts, including a crucial steal off Japan ball. Canham is beginning his Test career but already is looking like he has been a Wallaby for years.
Miles Amatosero 3
Amatosero was given a big opportunity with his first Test start and was red-carded for a high shot on Japan captain Warner Dearns.
Amatosero could argue that Dearns’ body height changed dramatically, but it was still careless and could have proven far more costly to the Wallabies.
Rob Valetini 6
A quieter outing for Valetini, who struggled in brutal conditions. Made 14 tackles but only made 12 metres, far below what the breakaway would normally make in a Test.
Fraser McReight 6.5
Wasn’t able to dominate at the breakdown, but did lead his team with 21 tackles and scored a try in a tireless performance.
Harry Wilson 5.5
Had 10 carries but only made 8 metres, in simple maths, averaging 0.8 metres per carry. Also seemed to get on the wrong side of Irish referee Eoghan Cross and conceded two penalties. The captain’s effort can never be faulted, but it wasn’t an easy night.
Ryan Lonergan 6
Lonergan has had an outstanding season so far for the Wallabies, but it was a very tough night with a slippery ball for a halfback. Provides the Wallabies with an accurate goal kicker, which proved crucial in the end. Missed four tackles.
Declan Meredith 4
The playmaker struggled badly with his kicking on exits, getting low metres and leaving the Wallabies under pressure. Showed his inexperience when taking a quick tap and completely mis-kicking it to himself, when the Wallabies were putting Japan under huge pressure in the scrum near their try line, and a yellow card was possible.
Harry Potter 8.5
The Wallabies’ best on the night. Potter struggled with the Waratahs this season, but was the pick of the Wallabies backline. Scored a try and looked dangerous with the ball, beating four defenders with three line breaks. Difficult to drop now.
Hunter Paisami 7
Some huge defensive hits from Paisami, even if he does sometimes shoot out of the line too quickly. Also made a brilliant pass for Tom Wright’s try and was dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 5
Just could not get himself into the game, making a poor pass early, which Harry Potter did well to scoop off the ground and still score a try.
Made a ruck turnover and didn’t stop trying, but did look vulnerable against quick Japanese attack in defence. Surely it is time to give him a go on the wing to utilise his strengths aerially and in attack. A huge talent that needs another chance to show it somewhere else on the field.
Max Jorgensen 6
Scored a try and was solid when he attacked. Also made a ruck turnover.
Tom Wright 7
Made a huge play, putting his body on the line to win a ruck turnover on 38 minutes with Japan certain to score. Scored a try, although also guilty of some handling errors on a humid night.
REPLACEMENTS
Billy Pollard 5.5
Made a mess of a set play with a pass with the Wallabies pressuring the Japanese defence, but played a role in a strong bomb squad scrum that caused havoc for Japan.
Angus Bell 7
Gave away two penalties, but also made a crucial turnover on the ruck and played his part in a strong scrum. Carried the ball for 22 metres and was exactly what was needed to take the game to Japan late.
Taniela Tupou 7
Made a huge hit at the end of the game to knock the ball out of Japanese hands and win the game; also ended up scoring the decisive try. Tupou was having a field day in the scrum and would have loved an opportunity to do more of them. Provided the perfect ballast off the bench.
Jeremy Williams 6.5
Brought a desperately needed calmness to the Wallabies and the Force second rower is clinical in his work; it was his clean-out that paved the way for the Tupou try.
Charlie Cale 6
Finally given a chance to wear the Wallabies jersey and was busy, topping the Wallabies carries per minute with 0.22.
Tate McDermott 6
Had looked rusty in his previous Tests, but was back with his sniping best against Japan. Busy and helped fight the Japanese speed with his own blistering tempo.
Ben Donaldson 6
Came on at fullback, but would have liked to have been given more time to impress at five-eighth after Meredith’s wobbles.
Isaac Henry N/A
Wallaby 999 was desperate to make an impression, but only had eight minutes to do it. Will have lots more opportunities in Test rugby.
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