Australia brush aside Japan challenge with 30-63 win

by Matthew Wood Saturday 4 November 2017

Tevita Kuridrani scored three tries as Australia won a free-scoring encounter against Japan

©PA

Japan 30 - 63 Australia, Yokohama

Australia came up with a dominant nine-try performance as they trounced Japan 30-63 in Yokohama to warm-up for their European tour.

Samu Kerevi (5'), Henry Speight (10'), Tatafu Polota-Nau (23') and Tevita Kuridrani (32' and 39') were the try scorers in the first half while Reece Hodge slotted the conversions on all the five occasions to take them to 35 points and Japan's only response came through a 17th minute penalty from Rikiya Matsuda.

Even though Wimpie van der Walt (44'), Amanaki Mafi (68') and Kazuki Himeno (80') managed to cross over for Japan in the second half, Kerevi (50'), Kuridrani (56'), Nick Phipps (61') and Rob Simmons (64') also touched down for the Wallabies to complete a resounding 33 point victory.

Hodge also had a fantastic game as he slotted the extras on all the nine occasions as Australia head to the European tour with a lot of confidence.

Australia will face Wales, England and Scotland in their November Tests campaign on 11th, 18th and 25th respectively.