Category: Australia Rugby

Exclusive: The Wallabies’ spring tour hopes have taken a massive hit, with Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon ruled out.

Reece Hodge will have scans on Tuesday to determine whether the fullback has any involvement in the Wallabies’ final three Tests of the year, as Rugby Australia management met on Monday night to discuss any potential replacements.

Against Japan there was a looseness in Australia’s play that was not evident against the Springboks and the Pumas

One of the traits coach Dave Rennie is attempting to instil into the Wallabies is ruthlessness. On that score, the team’s unconvincing 32-23 win against Japan in Oita was deeply disappointing.

Compare Australia’s performance to the All Blacks, who reached triple figures in their 104-14 win against the USA in Washington on Sunday.

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Two crucial meetings on Monday could determine the Wallabies’ fate for their end of year Tests.

The life of Maori All Blacks star Sean Wainui has been remembered in incredible scenes before the All Blacks match against the USA Eagles at FedEx Field in Washington.

They were far from clinical, but the Wallabies did enough to defeat Japan 32-23 in Oita.

• Japan cut lead to four points with five minutes to go
• Captain Hooper says ‘they tested us in a lot of areas’

The Wallabies had a minor scare late in the game but held on to launch their end-of-season tour with a 32-23 victory over Japan in Oita on Saturday and extend their winning streak to five Tests.

Wingers Tom Wright and Jordan Petaia crossed for tries in the first half, while forwards Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota and Connal McInerney added scores after the break to maintain Australia’s 100% record in six Tests against Japan.

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• Japan 23-32 Australia
• Wallabies extend unbeaten run to five Tests

Out dash the Wallabies in their traditional gold uniform with green strip. Japan follow close behind in a much more controlled march, wearing their cherry and white hoops, reminiscent of Wigan rugby league.

Another week, another need for a serious discussion around the role of concussion in the sport.

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Dave Rennie labelled his side’s performance as “frustrating”, but the Wallabies made it five on the trot against Japan.

Connal McInerney buried his head in hands when, after a long pause by manager Chris Webb, his name was read out to debut off the bench against Japan on Saturday.

Dave Rennie might not yet want to talk about the World Cup, but for Michael Hooper the Wallabies captain couldn’t help but mention it.

Wallabies great Toutai Kefu has opened up on the harrowing morning he and his family were ambushed in their Brisbane home and lived to tell the tale.

As Quade Cooper’s availability for the rest of the year continued to dominate discussion, Dave Rennie has picked his strongest available side to take on Japan on Saturday.

Barry Hall has criticised Sonny Bill Williams for continuing to delay the hotly anticipated fight between the two former star footballers.

• Kerevi fails to recover from ankle injury suffered against Argentina
• Tom Wright replaces Jordan Petaia on wing for game in Oita

Hunter Paisami has been recalled for Australia’s Test against Japan, replacing Samu Kerevi at inside centre after the explosive midfielder failed to overcome an ankle injury for Saturday’s clash in Oita.

Tom Wright has replaced Jordan Petaia on the wing after a lively cameo off the bench in the 32-17 win over Argentina on the Gold Coast three weeks ago.

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