It was far from perfect from the Wallabies recorded their fifth straight Test win by beating Japan 32-23 in Oita today.
Here’s how each of the Australian players rated as they now embark on a three match tour of the United Kingdom.
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1: James Slipper 6/10
Solid in the set piece and a number of first phase charges.
2: Folau Fainga’a 8/10
Overcame an early injury niggle and despite a few lineout wobbles, showed plenty of potency on attack – particularly in the wider channels, coming up with two try assists.
3: Taniela Tupou 7/10
Was anonymous for the first 40 minutes, but came out the gates firing in the second half – grabbing a try to showcase his combination of size and speed, before being subbed off a few minutes later.
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4: Izack Rodda 6.5/10
Warmed into his work, without much reward. Became the main lineout target inside the opposition 22.
5: Matt Philip 7.5/10
Very busy performance and seemed to be constantly around the ball, as illustrated by an offload to himself.
6: Rob Leota 6.5/10
Provided a nice lineout target and was rewarded for his constant enthusiasm with a well-taken try.
7: Michael Hooper 6/10
Worked hard on an afternoon that didn’t really highlight his match-winning ability.
8: Rob Valetini 7/10
A constant danger on attack with a searing line break, good link play and a crucial turnover penalty to set up the match-sealing attack.
9: Nic White 7/10
Box kicks usually well directed and distributed tidily throughout.
10: Quade Cooper 7.5/10
Constantly creative with the ball in hand as shown by laying on the first try, though did throw a costly pass to gift Japan an intercept try. Always one for the freakish play, which saw a shot at goal hit the post and find touch.
11: Andrew Kellaway 7/10
Showed versatility in shifting to fullback to cover Reece Hodge’s absence. Was good in contact and provided a try assist to Jordan Petaia in the first half.
12: Hunter Paisami 5.5/10
Struggled to impose his physicality and was denied a try by a matter of metres in the second stanza.
13: Len Ikitau 6.5/10
Rock solid on defence and showed a nice left boot to clear from deep in his own half, as well as showing some real attacking spark in broken play to begin the movement that led to Leota’s try.
14: Tom Wright 6.5/10
Ran off Cooper’s shoulder and showed some evasive moves to score the first try. Shifted to the left wing as part of the backline reshuffle and was busy, but found out on defence to allow Lomano Lemeki in for Japan’s first try.
15: Reece Hodge N/A
Struggled to leave an imprint and an injured right shoulder forced him off in the 14th minute.
RESERVES
16: Connal McInerney 6/10
Made his debut and grabbed his first Test try to seal the deal.
17: Angus Bell 5/10
Conceded a scrum penalty but also got one back to square the ledger.
18: Alan Ala’alatoa 5/10
Took care of his core duties for just under half an hour.
19: Darcy Swain 5.5/10
Lost a turnover soon after coming on, but remained steady and pulled off one charge from the back fence.
20: Pete Samu 6.5/10
Continues to provide a great impact in the final stages. Strong with ball in hand and a menace on defence.
21: Tate McDermott 5/10
Suited up for the final 15 minutes but perhaps struggled to find a rhythm as the game lost a bit of shape.
22: James O’Connor 5.5/10
Played the role of ‘the closer’ after subbing on in 75th minute and helped finish the job.
23: Jordan Petaia 7.5/10
After an early entrance to the game showed some trademark electric footwork, grabbed a try and then became the bomb defusal specialist against a number of high kicks.