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Wallabies player ratings: Electric winger 'utterly superb' while 'most accomplished' playmaker proves himself

· Jack Tunney · 2026-08-15T08:32:07+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Wallabies player ratings: Electric winger ‘utterly superb’ while ‘most accomplished’ playmaker proves himself The Wallabies ran out overwhelming winners against Japan in Townsville on Saturday, in the second match between the two sides in as many weeks. Here are our Wallabies player ratings from their 56-17 victory: Backs 15 Tom Wright: As usual, he looked highly confident in attack, making 80 metres from 10 carries, beating an impressive seven players in the process. He kicked cleverly to turn the Japanese backs on their heels, as he provided a constant threat, never allowing the defence to rest. Defensively he was a little more suspect, beaten in the tackle three times, including being unceremoniously bounced for Japan’s third try. Fortunately for Wright, however, that score would be chalked off. 7 14 Max Jorgensen: Utterly superb. The talented young winger didn’t put a foot wrong all game. He looked electric with ball in hand and defended well on the outside, forcing Japan’s first major mistake. The 21-year-old also made an incredible try-saver in the first half, wrapping up the would-be Japanese scorer to stop him from grounding the ball. He was also elite in the air, which meant that Japan had no viable game plan in the skies. 9 13 Isaac Henry: Simply everywhere. He was instrumental in the build-up to the first try, and continued his day with a strong running performance that worked well with those around him. From his 11 carries, he made 70 metres and beat six players. 8 12 Hunter Paisami: Took the ball to the gain line well with a match-leading 13 carries. He did lose the ball a couple of times, though, but that wasn’t necessarily his fault – during one occasion the intended recipient had been taken out before the ball had reached him. He was just as effective in defence, making 10 tackles and missing just one. 7 11 Harry Potter: Put himself about with an industrious, yet under-the-radar performance. He was always in the thick of the action, but never quite found the breakaway that he was looking for. He didn’t stop working, however, which eventually came to his own detriment, hurting himself in a big tackle with just ten minutes remaining. 6 10 Carter Gordon: Rugby Australia will have breathed a huge breath of relief when this man returned to rugby union. He’s by far and away the most accomplished number 10 the Wallabies currently have, and he was not taking a back seat in this game. The 25-year-old was not afraid to run with the ball, attacking the gainline impressively when presented with the opportunity, and did well to bring those around him into the game. Defensively, he made some hard hits too. 7 9 Ryan Lonergan: Great work to close down an early Japanese attack, but then seconds later his clearance kick was charged down for the opening Japanese try. That would be his only downside of the game, as his great ruck service provided the perfect base from which the Wallabies launched their many attacks. 7 Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust. Forwards 8 Harry Wilson: Started slowly, doing the basics but without truly exploding into the game. Instead, he built into it as the match progressed, and in the second half turned on the style with a couple of very flashy offloads to almost put Tate McDermott over in the corner. It wasn’t to be for McDermott, but Wilson would get his own reward, powering over to score in the final minutes. 7 7 Carlo Tizzano: Some questioned whether the Western Force flanker would have quite the same impact that Fraser McReight has, but all fears were quashed, as the 26-year-old delivered a schooling on open-side play. He made 11 carries, 13 tackles and won a match high of three turnovers without conceding a single penalty. 8 6 Charlie Cale: It was a rare start for the 6 ft 3 in blindside, but he more than repaid Les Kiss’ faith with a sterling lineout performance. He also made a joint match high of 14 tackles, proving that his energy and work rate can set him apart. He was also crucial in the build-up to many of the Wallabies’ tries, working well with those around him in open play exchanges. 7 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: Big attacking charges, even bigger hits. The giant lock was superb in the contact area, often requiring multiple men to bring him down. Even when he didn’t have the ball, he was just as dangerous, with one bone-shattering hit, in particular, coming to mind. 7 4 Lachlan Shaw: Like his second row partner, he was particularly impressive in the contact area, but he was also a great option in the lineout, winning seven to give the Wallabies a fantastic foundation from which to work off. 7 3 Taniela Tupou: The powerful prop showed his expertise in the scrum and made some clever offloads in open play. His Japanese counterparts will not wish to see him again anytime soon. It was his power game that shone through, however, and it paid dividends when he stormed over from close range before halftime and again later on. 8 2 Josh Nasser: Although defensively he struggled, missing three tackles, he led the perfect set piece which allowed those around him to excel. He was then rewarded with a try of his own. 6 1 Angus Bell: It was a huge defensive effort from one of the world’s premier props. In attack, he scrummed superbly, truly dominating a Japanese scrum that had no answers. He signed off with a close-quarters try of his own. 8 Replacements: The energy off the bench was superb. Brandon Paenga-Amosa kicked off his day with a superb carry, before backing it up later with a try. Jeremy Williams made a neat offload in the build-up to Wallaby number 1000 Massimo De Lutiis’ try, and Ben Donaldson kicked three conversions. Besides McDermott dropping an in-goal ball, it was the ideal bench result. 8 READ MORE: All Blacks suffer second backline casualty as Greatest Rivalry tour over for experienced wing