Les Kiss and his Wallabies have a mountain to climb but gritty win over Japan is a big first step
The Australian national rugby team, the Wallabies, secured a narrow victory against Japan in a challenging match in Osaka. Despite a red card and early struggles, new coach Les Kiss is credited with providing the necessary leadership to begin the team's rebuilding phase.
Why it matters
The win marks a potential turning point for the Wallabies, who have struggled with performance consistency and coaching transitions over the past year.
Australia’s head coach Les Kiss and Harry Wilson after the Wallabies beat Japan in Osaka. Australia’s head coach Les Kiss and Harry Wilson after the Wallabies beat Japan in Osaka. Australia rugby union team Analysis Les Kiss and his Wallabies have a mountain to climb but gritty win over Japan is a big first step Angus Fontaine Australia got ambushed early and were a hot mess at times. But Kiss showed patience and nous as he found a way to win
When scaling a mountain, “don’t look at the peak”, advised the Japanese film-maker Akira Kurosawa. “Keep your eyes on the ground, put one foot in front of the other and climb patiently.” The Wallabies have to get from a current base camp of No 8 in the rankings to win next year’s World Cup. But they put one foot toward that peak on Saturday night by beating Japan .
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