Wallabies Comeback Thrashing
Australia's Wallabies Thrash Japan 56-17 in Townsville After Powerful Second-Half Comeback
Key Points
Isaac Henry was impressive in only his second Test, earning his first start at No.13 after replacing the injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Proserpine-born Harry Hockings was promoted into Japan's starting side and crossed for a try after charging down a Ryan Lonergan clearance.
Carlo Tizzano produced three key turnovers in defense to relieve pressure and help swing momentum for the Wallabies.
Eight changes from the Osaka match, including an almost completely new forward pack, underscored Kiss’s experimentation ahead of a two-Test Argentina tour.
Wallabies’ front-row dominance saw six different front-rowers among the try-scorers, with Brendan Paenga-Amosa adding a late score; Massimo De Lutiis contributed with a hefty 129kg bench-press profile as he came on to reinforce the scrum.
Australia crushed Japan 56-17 in Townsville on Saturday, turning a shaky halftime deficit into a record-setting rout. Super Rugby reported the Wallabies scored five tries in the second half, adding 42 unanswered points after trailing 17-14 at the break.
The win gives Les Kiss's side three Test wins in a row — their best streak since 2024. It also swept the two-match series against Eddie Jones's Japan, according to WTOP.
Massimo De Lutiis Makes History with Debut Try
The night's biggest story came late in the game. Massimo De Lutiis became the 1,000th player ever capped for the Wallabies, according to WRAL. He came on as a second-half replacement and sealed the moment with a try — a milestone no Australian rugby player had ever claimed before.
De Lutiis, a powerful front-rower known for his 129kg frame, helped shore up Australia's already dominant scrum late in the match. His debut was one of eight changes Kiss made from the Osaka Test, showing a willingness to rotate and experiment ahead of a two-Test tour to Argentina.
Japan Led at Halftime Before Australia's Second-Half Surge
Japan made a strong start. Proserpine-born Harry Hockings — playing for Japan — crossed for a try after charging down a Ryan Lonergan clearance kick. The Brave Blossoms led 17-14 at the break, silencing what Super Rugby called a crowd of 18,076 fans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Australia's second half was a completely different story. The Wallabies scored five tries after the break. Ryan Lonergan, who was part of the same kick blunder that gifted Japan a score, bounced back to convert five of Australia's tries in the second half alone.
Taniela Tupou and a Front-Row Takeover Drive the Win
The Wallabies' forwards were the story of the second half. Taniela Tupou scored twice. Brendan Paenga-Amosa added a late try. Six different front-rowers scored or contributed tries, according to Winnipeg Free Press. It was a rare display of front-row firepower at Test level.
Carlo Tizzano was also key. He produced three turnovers in defense, each one halting Japanese attacks and swinging momentum back to Australia. The combined effort from the forward pack turned a one-score game into a 39-point blowout.
Isaac Henry Shines as Kiss Eyes Argentina Tour
With Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii injured, Isaac Henry stepped in at No. 13 for just his second Test — and his first start. He impressed throughout, showing Australia has depth in the backline even without one of their biggest stars.
Kiss made eight changes from the Osaka Test, rotating almost the entire forward pack. The Queensland Country Bank Stadium, which will host 2027 Rugby World Cup matches, provided a fitting backdrop. Australia now heads to Argentina with real momentum and a squad that is growing fast.
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