Let’s give Eddie Jones some credit – Japan were good

2 days ago 6

Opinion

October 26, 2025 — 1.33pm

The Wallabies’ narrow victory against Japan on Saturday – narrow both in terms of their attack and on the scoreboard – could be put down to a line-up that was not at full strength (it was closer to the best available than some suggested). But it really said more about Japan.

This was their best performance in years. The Brave Blossoms will always have to blend Japanese players and gaijin (non-Japanese born players) in Test rugby, but the performance in Tokyo had a strong Japanese identity – the ferocious low tackling, the speed and ambition of the back three, and the technically excellent scrummaging against bigger men (the Wallabies’ loss of two big second-rowers helped, too).

Japan have struggled somewhat since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but word is they will get another in the 2030s – probably 2035 – and you could see elements of their play that they can certainly build on. Eddie Jones’ side should be targeting a win against Wales in Cardiff in November.

This will be a tough tour for the Wallabies

Five Tests in five weeks is too much. This column was against a similar itinerary in 2022 under Dave Rennie, and nothing has changed. The Japan and England Tests will help Rugby Australia’s bottom line, but there is a danger some of the Wallabies’ goodwill-building will be undone over the next month.

The signs of a battered side are all there – they haven’t played well over the past four Tests as injuries, retirements, and eligibility issues combine to deprive them of rhythm.

Josh Flook, Tane Edmed and the Wallabies had just enough to beat Japan.

There are no soft Tests anymore – rugby’s dangerous combination of low carries and low tackling resulted in two more concussion casualties on Saturday – and the Wallabies will do exceedingly well to get themselves up against England at Twickenham next weekend, with Italy, Ireland, and France waiting after that. That’s a hard road ahead before the beach calls.

Kiwi Super Rugby lifeline for former Wallabies prospect

Former Brumbies and Western Force back Reesjan Pasitoa has been signed by the Highlanders, the Herald understands, offering him a chance to rebuild his career across the ditch. Pasitoa, who is still only 23, played for Northland in the NPC and featured in the No.12 jersey.

He’ll have All Black Timoci Tavatavanawai ahead of him at the Highlanders, but Pasitoa’s ability to cover No.10, No.12, and No.13 increases his chances of making the match-day squad next year. After some injury-interrupted years, Pasitoa started to put in some decent performances in the NPC, and if he gets through the pre-season at the Highlanders in good shape, Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss will be interested observers.

Carter Gordon was immediately brought back into the Wallabies fold after his stint in the NRL.

This week’s Test-defining selection decisions

The Wallabies’ brutal season to date is being most felt at No.9 and No.10. Nic White is now twice retired and clearly missed, while James O’Connor will not be available against England as the Test is outside the World Rugby international window.

Those two were the architects of the wins against the British and Irish Lions and the Springboks, and the sting of their absence has been accentuated by Tate McDermott’s injury. It is surely too much to expect Carter Gordon to go back into the No.10 jersey against England.

As much as his return is a feel-good story, it does somewhat mask the very real concerns about elements of his play that existed before his spell in the NRL – not the least his goal-kicking. But if the Wallabies look light on options, England’s problem is picking the right contenders.

By all accounts, veteran No.10 George Ford has been playing the house down for his club side Sale, while Bath halfback Ben Spencer has many admirers. But the Wallabies will catch a break if England use that pair ahead of Northampton’s Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith.

Will World Rugby go down the private equity route?

Next weekend’s Test between Ireland and the All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago won’t be the last Test on US soil in the build-up towards the 2031 World Cup. The only question is how many more Tests will be played in the US before then, and how much World Rugby will throw at it to make sure it is a success.

The Herald has heard whispers that Las Vegas was a potential destination for one of the two Bledisloe Cup Tests next year, although that plan has been shelved. If World Rugby takes an active role in encouraging nations to play in the US, the strategy could require investment.

Selling some of the commercial rights for the Rugby World Cup would be one avenue World Rugby could go down to lay the groundwork for the event in the US in 2031. Watch this space.

Watch all the action from the 2025 Wallabies spring tour