That’s halftime, and the Wallabies are holding a 14-3 lead over Japan.
It could have been more, but for a couple of disallowed tries to Carlo Tizzano just before the break. Those two came after an earlier dive by Tizzano at the line also looked like a try, but was never checked.
Australia’s Josh Flook runs to scores a try.Credit: AP
The wet weather has seen a stop-start affair, and Japan have barely had any attacking possession. They’ve also conceded two yellow cards after giving away penalties trying to stop the Wallabies in their own quarter.
By and large, they have done that but the Wallabies appear to be getting on top in the forwards and that’s where they’ll direct their force in the second half.
Australia’s makeshift second team looks a little clunky, which is probably no shock given they’ve barely played together.
A couple of nice moments out wide from the Wallabies have shown there is potential out wide, but the game is a tense and gritty affair in slippery conditions that will probably never turn expansive.
Australia’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is tackled.Credit: AP