The Wallabies continue to find ways to win, extending their streak to five games after overcoming Japan 32-23.
Whilst a fairly 'rusty' performance by Dave Rennie's standards, the visitors managed to close out the victory against a Brave Blossoms side who continue to showcase rapid levels of improvements.
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So what did we learn from the Wallabies gutsy win over Japan?
1.PRECISION PROBLEMS
James Slipper labelled the showing as ‘clunky’ and that’s probably a fair assessment with the Wallabies below their high standards despite the victory.
Getting into a firefight with a Japanese side that love to throw the ball around was always going to lead to an exciting game.
However, the Wallabies execution was off in Oita, lacking the fluidity seen in the Rugby Championship, allowing Japan to pose a serious threat throughout the 80 minutes.
Whether that’s a case of rust after three weeks off, the loss of Hodge or missing Kerevi and Koroibete, it’s something the Wallabies need to sort out when they hit Europe
2. VINTAGE QUADE
Quade Cooper pulled off all the tricks and skills that have made him one of the most exciting players on his day.
Whilst his composure stood out on his return, this was the Cooper that lit up highlight reels and filled YouTube compilations, with a trademark step and offload finding Tom Wright for the first try.
He’d then showcase some of the circus-like passing, throwing a 20 minute pass that found Folau Fainga’a, setting up Rob Leota for his first try.
Unfortunately for Cooper, one too many long balls came back to hurt the Wallabies as Japan latched onto an intercept to reduce the margin.
With Rennie confirming he will head to Europe after some conjecture, he still remains one of the best players to watch and he will be integral for the weeks to come.
3. SET PIECE DOMINANCE
Watching the Wallabies at set-piece time brings up memories of the episode of the Simpsons when Homer enters a knock-off Robot Rumble disguised as a robot after failing to build one for Bart. When they face Professor Frink in the final battle, Bart’s dismayed when the so-called ‘weak spot’ of Frink's is reinforced becomes its strongest.
It’s a weird analogue but the best way to describe the resurgence of the Wallabies scrum and line out under Dan McKellar.
Twice in the first 15 minutes did they earn a scrum penalty and several line-out wins as they bullied the Japanese pack, something which was unheard of 5-10 years ago.
In defence, McKellar and the forwards' work at the analytical table paid dividends as they were brilliant when it came to defending the 5-metre maul, twice getting players between the ball receiver and the limbering forwards to break it up and force the turnover.
Hooker Folau Fainga’a remains the glue and continues to shine in the starting role, executing the near-perfect line out move to find Taniela Tupou just after the break.
4. THE FULLBACK CONUNDRUM
The Wallabies hunt for a fullback continues with Reece Hodge unfortunately picking up a suspected pec injury, leaving him in doubt for the rest of the tour.
Andrew Kellaway was the man to slot into the position and didn’t do much wrong, throwing the pass to find Jordan Petaia for the second try.
Petaia looked great on the wing and did more than enough to warrant selection against Scotland if they choose to stick with Kellaway at the back.
Hodge will travel to Europe with the team as they wait for scans but it's horrible timing for the 27-year-old, who'd impressed and provided a point of difference since slotting in for Tom Banks.
Luke Morahan has been floated as a potential option to come into the squad in the past by Rennie, amongst a plethora of outside backs plying their trade in Europe with the Wallabies unlikely to draw further from home.
5. VALETINI SHINES
Rob Valetini’s development has been one of the stories of 2021, arguably the player of the match for the Wallabies.
Valetini stepped up in the absence of Kerevi as that big ball-runner in the middle and proved to be the main source of carries for the visitors when they needed to get over the advantage line.
He would then prove crucial in defence, getting the turnover in the 76th minute that led to debutant Connal McInerney’s try and sealed the win for Australia.
The 23-year-old looms as the key piece for this forward pack heading forward and if he maintains this level of performance, he should find himself in the eight jersey for years to come.
