Iain PaytenUpdated August 15, 2026 — 3:29pm,first published 2:45pm3.29pmJapan strike back with charge down tryBy Japan have struck back immediately, and it’s all thanks to another Queenslander, Harry Hockings.As Ryan Lonergan attempted to clear for touch on his own line from the ruck base, the big second rower charged it down and scored a simple try.Hockings, a former Reds player, used every inch of his 206cm.12 mins: Wallabies 7 Japan 53.25pmWallabies open the scoring with a tryBy The Wallabies have gone in for the first try, nice and early.A solid scrum in their own half gave the Wallabies an advantage, and they attacked with some freedom. A nice loop play from Carter Gordon helped make numbers in an attack to the right, and Max Jorgensen had a run to the line.He was brought down just short but Josh Nasser charged the last metre for a try.6 min: Wallabies 7-03.12pmWallabies wearing black armbands in memory of Brian SmithBy Iain PaytenOk, so we are not far away now. Players are on the field and anthems are about to start.Doesn’t look like a huge crowd in Townsville.The Wallabies are also wearing black armbands in memory of former Wallaby Brian Smith, who sadly passed away this week. Brian Smith.Fairfax MediaHe was a Wallaby in 1987-88, before moving overseas and playing for Ireland, and then playing in the NRL as well.Smith had been at Scots College for the last decade as head of rugby, and he steered many players through, including reserve Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams.3.00pmDrennan’s view: Remember what Joe taught youBy Jonathan DrennanRarely has Townsville been referred to as having a refreshingly mild climate, but that is just what the Wallabies have been feeling after sweating profusely to a 3-point win in humid Osaka.The Wallabies are hosting the Brave Blossoms in the house that Johnathan Thurston helped to build with the Cowboys in the NRL.While we’re talking about iconic playmakers, Carter Gordon is back to start in the number 10 jersey and hopefully his calf can hold up as he is facing one of the form players in Test rugby in Ryunosuke Ito, the brilliant young Japanese five-eighth.Last week, the Wallabies took too many risks, playing a fast, ragged and at times thrilling brand of running rugby. This week they need to remember what Joe Schmidt drilled into them: fundamentals at the ruck, coupled with crisp passing and in ball retention; the rest will follow.Also importantly, we await the crowning of Wallaby 1000 through replacement prop Massimo de Lutiis, a great piece on Payto on how that honour was decided. Strap in for another nervous afternoon on the sofa.2.50pmMassimo achievement: 1000th Wallaby due todayBy Iain PaytenSometime in the second half, we will see reserve tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiss come off the bench and he will become the 1000th Wallaby.Dating back to Wallaby no.1 Paddy Carew in the first Test in 1899, there have been a rollcall of legendary Wallabies, with household names like Eales, Catchpole, Richards, Ella and Campese.Soon-to-be Wallabies player No. 1000, Massimo de Lutiis, and other Wallaby “centurions” who went before him.Graphic: Stephen Kiprillis/Images: Rugby AustraliaThere have also been a significant chunk whose names you’ve never heard, given over 40% of all the 999 Wallabies so far played less than three Tests.Here is a list of them all.2.44pmTake a trip down memory lane in Townsville By Let’s have a quick trip down memory lane and remind ourselves how the Wallabies’ last Test in Townsville finished.2.43pmHere are the teams and detailsBy As mentioned last post, the Wallabies have undergone wholesale change, with key performers Allan Alalaatoa, Rob Valetini and Josh Canham all rested, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii injured.Carter Gordon has returned at no.10, with Declan Meredith dropping out altogether.Jones has brought Harry Hockings back into his starting second-row.Here are the teams:WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Charlie Cale, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Taniela Tupou, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell2.43pmWelcome to the jungleBy Iain PaytenHello and welcome to our live coverage of the Wallabies’ clash with Japan in Townsville.My name is Iain Payten and I will be steering the blog through the afternoon. We also have the Unstoppable Ulsterman Jonny Drennan on deck, and he’ll be offering insights and producing the match report later on. Kick off is at 3.15pm.General view ahead of the International Test Match between Australia Wallabies and Japan at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.Getty ImagesThe conditions are perfect for rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, which is a venue the Wallabies love playing at. Who can forget last year’s post-siren win over the Pumas, after skipper Harry Wilson pointed to the corner for a win-or-nothing result.Last week’s clash ended in a 35-32 win for the Wallabies, in Les Kiss’ first game in charge.1 of 1