A Winning Start, But at What Cost?

The Wallabies’ 35-32 victory over Japan was a grueling one, with new coach Les Kiss earning his first win since taking over from Joe Schmidt last month. The narrow margin of success belies the challenges they faced in Tokyo on Saturday.

Kiss’s tenure as head coach began with an unimpressive record in the Nations Championship, where Australia managed only a single victory against Italy amidst losses to Ireland and France. He made some changes to the lineup for his first match, recalling Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and leaving out veteran James Slipper. The move sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.

The red card handed to Miles Amatosero in the 32nd minute left Australia down a man for much of the game, yet they managed to hold on against Japan’s relentless pressure. Their bench proved crucial in this regard, allowing them to maintain their advantage despite being shorthanded. The Wallabies’ defense was put to the test, but ultimately held firm.

Les Kiss’s post-match comments highlighted the difficulties faced by his team: “They’re a good team. They play fast and hard at home in their backyard.” These words are telling, given Australia’s own struggles with pace and discipline in previous matches. The pressure to perform under new leadership is palpable, and while this win is welcome news for Australian rugby fans, it’s unclear what this means for the long-term trajectory of the team.

In contrast, Eddie Jones’s Japan side showed a tenacity that will surely serve them well as they continue their development under his guidance. Despite being disappointed with their own performance, Jones praised the effort of his players and acknowledged the progress made by the team. “There’s a lot of development in this team,” he noted.

The Wallabies’ next challenge will come in the form of South Africa, who are themselves embarking on a tour that promises to be just as grueling. Given their current form, it would be unwise for either side to become complacent. Les Kiss must now focus on building a team that can adapt to the demands of international rugby without becoming overwhelmed by them.

The Nations Championship’s often-criticized schedule has already taken its toll on Australia’s players, and it remains to be seen whether they will emerge from this grueling tour with their strength intact. The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching, and both Australia and Japan are likely to play key roles in the tournament. As these two teams continue to develop under their respective coaches, one thing is certain – the stakes have never been higher for Australian rugby fans.