Time was when the Wallabies would breeze past Japan with little concern. That era has faded, evidenced not least by their latest shaky victory—a narrow 35-32 win in Osaka. This comes on the back of a tense 19-15 scrape past Japan in Tokyo, signaling a trend rather than an anomaly.
The decline of Australian rugby's dominance can no longer be ignored, as performances that should be routine have turned laborious. Historically, the Wallabies dominated Japan, including a 91-3 thrashing in the 2007 World Cup and a comfortable 63-30 victory in 2017. Yet recent encounters paint a starkly different picture.
"It's disappointing,"
Eddie Jones remarked, reflecting on the slim margin. Meanwhile, Japan has transformed its rugby scene, attracting global talents once considered beyond its reach, contrasting sharply with Australia's struggles to maintain high performance levels.
The Wallabies' play has been fraught with puzzling decisions. In particular, their handling of game-critical penalties has brought undue pressure and allowed Japan to remain competitive. The game in Osaka was a prime example where poor decision-making nearly cost them dearly.
On the individual level, Declan Meredith's underwhelming performance highlighted Australia's pressing selection issues. At 27, he seemed outmatched by Ryunosuke Ito, a 21-year-old newcomer who displayed both skill and composure beyond his years. Meredith struggled with basic executions, which starkly contrasted Ito's impactful plays, including a pivotal grubber kick that set up a try.
As the World Cup approaches, Wallabies coach Les Kiss faces the challenging task of revitalizing the squad. Taking cues from successful strategies globally might be his best bet to infuse new life into the team.
Bringing back Samu Kerevi could bolster the midfield, rekindling his potent pairing with Len Ikitau that proved effective in past outings. Additionally, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's potential is yet untapped; starting him at full-back could unlock new offensive dynamics, despite him seeing little action in the recent Japan match.
Despite the close shave against Japan, there were positives. Josh Canham emerged as a significant presence, his robust performance hinting at a promising future in the green and gold. His knack for turning over possession and commanding the lineout were highlights in a match needing silver linings.
In a broader rugby context, lessons loom large. The recent All Blacks encounter in South Africa offered a reminder of the high standards in the Rugby Championship, underscoring the necessity for teams to adapt and evolve, irrespective of player age. Veterans like Deon Fourie continue to defy expectations, illustrating that form should trump age concerns. His recall to the Springboks squad serves as inspiration and a strategy Australian selectors might observe.
While the individual errors and disjointed team play pose concerns, they also present an opportunity for introspection and bold decision-making. Australian rugby's path forward involves not just selecting the right players but also fostering a strategic mindset that adapts to the modern, fast-evolving game of rugby.
