BEST WALLABIES IN JAPAN
Marika Koroibete – Unleashed pulse-raising moments in every game. In easily the most explosive rugby of his career.
Samu Kerevi – Busted tackles from start to finish, even leaving Manu Tuilagi in his dust in the Oita disaster.
Michael Hooper – High standards never wavered although he and David Pocock met their match against England.
Izack Rodda/Rory Arnold – Take your pick. The towering twosome ensured possession was never an issue.
Scott Sio – The Wallabies scrum was granite-like all tournament until the last 10 minutes against England, when strongman Sio had been replaced.
Tolu Latu – Threw his body around with vigour and operated a clockwork lineout. Twin tries against Fiji were a godsend.
WHO STRUGGLED?
Bernard Foley – Hasn’t played well for two years yet was inexplicably thrown in the deep end to play 44 minutes against Wales. Wasn’t used otherwise.
Will Genia – Surprisingly started against England and, as with the rest of the tournament, couldn’t unearth the spark of old.
Kurtley Beale – Contained too easily in pool play. Some attacking forays early against England but spoiled it with more erratic options.
Folau Fainga’a – Just one appearance for the hooker who starred for the Brumbies this year.
MOST PROMISING
Jordan Petaia – Played three different positions in his first three Tests and lived up to all the hype. Arguably Australia’s best against England at age 19.
UNLUCKIEST
Tevita Kuridrani – One game, two tries and a powerhouse display against Uruguay. Couldn’t have done much more.
BEST MOMENTS
– The second half fightbacks against Fiji and Wales.
– Koroibete’s solo try against Georgia.
– Petaia brilliantly setting up Kuridrani’s first try against Uruguay.
WORST MOMENTS
– The shonky starts against Fiji and Wales.
– Three yellow cards for high tackles.
– The absence of cohesion against England, a game where everything was supposed to come together.