Fairytale try for Wallaby No.1000 as Aussies demolish Japan in stunning second-half surge
· Josh Higgins · 2026-08-15T05:31:00+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Fairytale try for Wallaby No.1000 as Aussies demolish Japan in stunning second-half surge
The Wallabies have completed a 2-0 series sweep over Japan, producing a devastating second-half performance to run away with a 56-17 victory in Townsville.
After surviving a huge scare in their 35-32 victory over the Brave Blossoms in Japan last weekend, Australia was again forced into a first-half battle before blowing Eddie Jones’ side away after the break.
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The Wallabies led just 21-17 at half-time, but piled on 35 unanswered points in the second half to turn a tight contest into a statement victory on home soil.
It was also a memorable afternoon for Massimo De Lutiis, who became the 1000th player to represent the Wallabies before marking his Test debut with a try.
Australia made the perfect start through Josh Nasser in the seventh minute, with Ryan Lonergan converting to make it 7-0.
But Japan quickly responded through Queensland-born Harry Hockings, who crossed for his first Test try for his adopted nation.
Taniela Tupou then powered over for his first of the afternoon to restore Australia’s advantage, only for Japan to again hit back through Naoto Saito.
The Wallabies thought they had extended their lead when Lonergan crossed around the half-hour mark, but the try was scrubbed out for a forward pass.
Japan capitalised soon after, with Dylan Riley crossing in the 35th minute to put the visitors ahead 17-14.
But Tupou ensured the Wallabies would take the lead into the sheds, scoring his second try just before half-time before Lonergan added the extras to make it 21-17.
From there, Australia took complete control.
Angus Bell crossed in the 51st minute before De Lutiis produced the moment of the afternoon, celebrating his historic debut by powering over for Australia’s fifth try.
Charlie Cale and Harry Wilson added further tries as Japan struggled to contain a rampant Wallabies attack, before Brandon Paenga-Amosa crossed after the siren to put the finishing touches on the 56-17 victory.
Lonergan finished a perfect five from five from the tee, while Ben Donaldson took over the kicking duties and was equally flawless with three conversions from three attempts.
The result gives the Wallabies consecutive victories over Japan after last weekend’s dramatic 35-32 win in Japan, completing a perfect two-Test series against Jones’ Brave Blossoms.
Australia will now turn its attention to its next challenge, travelling to Argentina to face the Pumas on August 30.
WALLABIES TRY SCORERS: Josh Nasser, Taniela Tupou (2), Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Charlie Cale, Harry Wilson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
CONVERSIONS: Ryan Lonergan 5/5, Ben Donaldson 3/3.
JAPAN TRY SCORERS: Harry Hockings, Naoto Saito, Dylan Riley.
CONVERSIONS: Ryunosuke Ito 1/3.