Les Kiss' daring approach to team selection is paying dividends for the Wallabies, as they emerge from a slump with a promising performance against Japan. The 56-17 victory showcased a professional second half and several standout individual performances, leaving Kiss with a challenging task of crafting a cohesive unit. Centre Isaac Henry, in his first start, impressed with his speed and field position gains, despite the limited opportunities. His performance raises questions about future selection, especially with the absence of regular midfield players. The Wallabies' depth at centre is a concern, and Kiss must decide how to utilize Henry and other players like Hunter Paisami effectively.
The game also highlighted the depth at openside flanker, with Carlo Tizzano's impressive performance reminding the coach of the talent available. Kiss's decision to bring on regular No 7 Fraser McReight alongside Tizzano was a strategic move, aiming to create a mobile pack that can dominate at the breakdown. This move, along with the versatile Charlie Cale, who moved into No 8, showcases Kiss's willingness to experiment and adapt.
The arrival of Les Kiss has brought a new era to the Wallabies, marked by the debut of prop Massimo de Lutiis, who celebrated becoming the 1,000th player to appear for the team by scoring a try. The front-rowers' dominance against Japan's weaker front row is a reminder of Australia's strength in this area. However, the performance also brought to light the talent of Japan's Ryunosuke Ito, a five-eighth who could inspire a rugby nation.
Kiss's coaching style, characterized by experimentation and a focus on player versatility, is a refreshing change from his predecessor, Joe Schmidt. The coach's willingness to make bold decisions, such as moving Wilson into lock, demonstrates his understanding of the challenges in Test rugby. As the Wallabies prepare for the World Cup, Kiss's approach to team selection and strategy will be crucial in their success, especially with a tight schedule of eight matches before the tournament.
