Australia sweep Japan series with 56-17 win
Harry Wilson was one of the try scorer for Wallabies
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Australia 56-17 Japan, Townsville
Australia completed a two-match series sweep over Japan with a commanding 56-17 win in Townsville.
Taniela Tupou scored twice, while replacement prop Massimo De Lutiis marked his Test debut with a try as the Wallabies crossed eight times. Six of Australia’s tries came through front-row forwards, underlining their dominance up front.
Josh Nasser, Angus Bell and Brandon Paenga-Amosa also scored, while Charlie Cale and captain Harry Wilson added late tries from the back row. Ryan Lonergan and Ben Donaldson were perfect from the tee, combining to convert all eight Australian tries.
Japan Test Australia Early
Japan showed their attacking threat in the first half and caused problems for Australia’s defence. The Wallabies opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Nasser finished from close range after a flowing backline move.
Japan responded five minutes later through Australian-born Harry Hockings, who charged down Lonergan’s clearance kick and scored.
Australia went back in front in the 17th minute when Tupou powered over, but Japan continued to fight. Scrum-half Naoto Saito scored from a quick penalty in front of the posts before centre Dylan Riley stretched over to finish a sharp attacking move and put the visitors ahead.
Tupou Double Restores Control
Australia regained the lead before half-time. Max Jorgensen had a try ruled out, but the Wallabies kept pressing inside Japan’s 22.
Tupou then crashed through tackles for his second try, giving Australia a 21-17 lead at the break.
Wallabies Pull Away After Break
Australia took full control in the second half and kept Japan scoreless after the interval. Bell extended the lead with another close-range try 11 minutes after the restart.
Carter Gordon then made a sharp break, creating the chance for De Lutiis to score on debut. The try marked a special moment, with De Lutiis becoming the 1,000th Wallaby.
Cale crossed from the back of a dominant scrum in the 73rd minute before Japan replacement hooker Mamoru Harada was shown a yellow card.
Australia finished strongly against the 14-man visitors. Wilson and Paenga-Amosa added late tries to put gloss on the scoreline and complete a convincing 56-17 victory.
