Wallabies survive Japan - but who should start at 10? Steve Hansen

Les Kiss has his first win as Wallabies coach, but Australia were pushed all the way by Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms in oppressive Osaka conditions. David Pembroke and Steve Hansen break down the 35–32 result, the signs of a freer Wallabies attacking mindset and the controversial red card involving Josh Canham and Warner Dearns. Attention then turns to one of Australian rugby’s biggest selection questions: does Declan Meredith deserve another opportunity at 10, or should Carter Gordon get his chance in Townsville? Steve also explains why he would keep Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i in the midfield but find far more ways to get the ball into his hands. On the Japanese side, the signs continue to be encouraging — a stronger set piece, exciting young talent and an extraordinary individual try that showed exactly why Japan remain such a dangerous attacking side.

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In this episode:
00:00 🦘 Wallabies edge Japan 35–32 in the Osaka heat
01:00 ⚡ Is Les Kiss already giving Australia more freedom with the ball?
02:00 🟥 The Josh Canham red card divides opinion
04:00 🇯🇵 Warner Dearns continues to emerge as a Japanese leader
05:00 🔟 Meredith or Carter Gordon — who should start in Townsville?
07:00 💥 Is Sua’ali’i being wasted at outside centre?
09:00 🧠 Why Sua’ali’i may simply need more freedom and more touches
12:00 🌸 Japan’s improving set piece and exciting young talent
15:00 📈 Why playing stronger opposition is accelerating Japan’s development
17:00 ⚡ Ito’s incredible individual try and the speed of Japanese rugby

Call to action:
📌 Who should start at 10 for the Wallabies in Townsville — Meredith or Carter Gordon?

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