Wallabies v Japan
4:40pm AEDT Saturday 4 November
International Stadium, Yokohama
The Wallabies start their spring tour on Saturday, with a clash against the Japanese in Yokohama. A number of outs for the tourists means there will be some experimentation in the line up, and perhaps some pointers to the future.
The Cherry Blossoms were one of the great stories last World Cup, and as hosts of the event in 2019 they are preparing to be the focus of the rugby world. A disastrous season for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby means that the form of their national team is more important than ever, and they will be looking for a strong showing against the rising Wallabies.
Michael Cheika's first team of the tour is difficult to get a read on. With Genia, Foley, Hunt and Folau unavailable, the backline has a very new look. Kurtley Beale shifts to fullback, but until Hunt is back we won't know if this is Cheika's preference or a forced move. Sam Kerevi comes back into the midfield, outside third choice flyhalf Reece Hodge. Hodge has limited experience in the 10, and none at international level, so it will be fascinating to see how he goes. If Cheika is determined not to travel with a reserve specialist flyhalf, this is the reality he will have to live with. What the backline might lack in finesse it will make up for in size, and it is clear the Australians will be looking to overpower their rivals out wide.
The forward pack is more settled, though still coping without the services of Lukhan Tui and Jack Dempsey. Tui is touring, and will be available in the UK, but Dempsey is done for the season. What a shame after such a promising start to his international career. Ned Hannigan gets a shot to reignite his Test season, and will need to physically dominate the Japanese pack to secure his spot for the bigger games. A potential debut for Matt Phillips off the bench would also be great reward for a strong Super season.
There will be some key facets of play the Australians will be hoping to see improve over the course of this tour. The breakdown work showed signs of improvement late in the year, and Michael Hooper will need to continue to expand this facet of his game, particularly with Dempsey missing. The set pieces have also improved, but will face a stiff test against the Northern Hemisphere teams. This weekend is a chance for Hodge to stake a claim for a more permanent goal kicking role, something that has cost the team dearly this year. Samu Kerevi will be desperate to show he can defend in the midfield at international level, and Tevita Kuridrani would love a line break or two. Plenty for fans to look out for, and it all starts on Saturday.
All the pressure is on the Australians here, who will be desperate to take strong form into their games in Britain. The changes in the backs, and the absence of two form forwards, might be enough to help the Japanese defend the 27.5 points start they're being given. As a one of Test, this may not rate highly on the scale of importance, but given what the Wallabies have achieved over the past few weeks, and the big games coming up, it really is vital for Cheika's men. And who doesn't enjoy some more afternoon Test rugby?
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Words: Cameron Stokes
