Wallabies wary of Japan's threat on the counter in Osaka test

The Australian Wallabies are determined to secure back-to-back test victories for the first time in a year when they face Japan in Osaka on Saturday. Their last consecutive wins were against the British & Irish Lions and the Springboks in August of the previous year. This upcoming match presents an opportunity to build momentum after snapping a six-game losing streak with a win against Italy in July. Captain Harry Wilson expressed the team's renewed confidence but stressed the importance of consistency. "We want to be winning consistently," Wilson told reporters. "We've got an opportunity this Saturday to get two in a row and really try and build the momentum in our squad."

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It's always nice to get a win after a fair few losses on the trot. It definitely gave the team a little bit more confidence, but we're very aware we need to be a consistent team, we want to be winning consistently.

The clash also signifies the beginning of Les Kiss's tenure as the new Wallabies coach. He will face off against Eddie Jones, who has previously coached Australia and now leads Japan, aiming for their first-ever win against the Wallabies. Wilson anticipates an aggressive start from the hosts at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, especially with forecasts of high temperatures and humidity. "We know, I guess, how fast tempo Japan plays and some of their counterattack is unbelievable," Wilson noted. "So we have to kick really smart and when we give them the ball, we have to put them in the right positions because their back three and their flyhalf are very electric with the ball."

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We've got an opportunity this Saturday to get two in a row and really try and build the momentum in our squad.

Adding a personal touch to the match, four members of Japan's squad, lock Harry Hockings, center Dylan Riley, and loose forwards Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter, were raised in Australia. Wilson acknowledged these familiar faces, with whom he shares friendships. "Hocko, I'm really good mates with him and went to his wedding a couple of years ago, so I can't say there's any anger towards him. I'm really happy to see him playing for Japan now," Wilson said. Despite the camaraderie, he admitted the competitive spirit remains: "But in saying that, you definitely want to get one over him, as a mate."

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We know, I guess, how fast tempo Japan plays and some of their counterattack is unbelievable. So we have to kick really smart and when we give them the ball, we have to put them in the right positions because their back three and their flyhalf are very electric with the ball.