**Rugby Round-Up: Japan Exploit Welsh Fatigue as Concerns Linger over Wallabies and Lions Combinations**
Sunday’s rugby action has sparked fervent discussion across the international stage, after Japan produced a dramatic turnaround to defeat Wales 24-19, highlighting fitness issues, and Australia emerged from a nervy win against Fiji with looming uncertainties ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour.
The Brave Blossoms’ captain, Michael Leitch, revealed in the aftermath of Japan’s win in Kitakyushu that he and his teammates could see Welsh players were running on empty as the second half wore on. The first Test in the summer series unfolded in sweltering heat and stifling humidity, conditions that proved punishing despite planned water breaks and the interruption of a lengthy red card review.
While interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt and his squad avoided attributing their defeat solely to conditions, Leitch was forthright in his post-match analysis. “The heat in Japan is something else. Watching their players, especially in the second half, you could see they were feeling it,” said the 36-year-old, who played a pivotal role in shifting the game’s momentum. “Our plan relied on keeping the pace up, making sure we held onto the ball, and eventually that wore them out. I noticed those red shirts taking deeper breaths, struggling more than we were, and that worked in our favour.”
Japan’s preparation, Leitch suggested, was crucial. Rigorous training camps set up by coach Eddie Jones primed them for extreme conditions – a marked contrast to a Wales side who appeared to wilt despite a strong opening. “Our victory stands out as the best of my career,” Leitch declared, even above previous World Cup scalps. Notably, both Japan and Wales are in transition, bedding in young players and new structures. For Leitch, besting a recognised Tier One nation in such circumstances injects much-needed confidence into Japan’s youthful squad.
Meanwhile, in Canberra, Australian head coach Joe Schmidt candidly acknowledged his team’s lack of conviction after a narrow 21-18 escape over Fiji, courtesy of a late Harry Wilson try. This result has done little to strengthen Australian hopes against a Lions side widely tipped as favourites for the upcoming Test series.
“We weren’t at our best, and if people had high expectations before, they might be reconsidering now,” said Schmidt, pointing out that the Wallabies are still gelling after a half-year hiatus from Tests. “There isn’t a great sense of certainty, but there is determination. We hope that resolve can mature over the series and win the backing of our supporters.”
Adding to their woes, playmaker Noah Lolesio was forced off following a head injury late in the match. Schmidt provided a cautious update, saying Lolesio appeared in good spirits but that medical staff would take no unnecessary risks with his return. “He asked straightaway if we’d won, which says a lot. It seems to be a knock rather than anything more serious, but player safety comes first,” he emphasised.
Turning to the Lions, selection debates are intensifying ahead of the opening fixture against Australia in Brisbane. Scottish centre Huw Jones made a compelling case during the 21-10 win over the New South Wales Waratahs, scoring twice in a display underpinned by his partnership with Sione Tuipulotu. Yet, Jones was quick to dispel the notion that pre-established midfield combinations would dominate selection decisions. “All of us in the centre group have built good connections over the last three weeks,” he explained, adding that the chemistry displayed in his tries could be replicated with other combinations.
With both Ireland and Scotland providing tried-and-tested pairings—Aki and Ringrose, Jones and Tuipulotu—coach Andy Farrell faces a dilemma over whether to prioritise form or familiarity in selection. But, according to Jones, the cohesion among all four players offers valuable flexibility. “It doesn’t matter who lines up; we’ve done the work to make any pairing effective,” Jones said, underscoring a sense of camaraderie and professionalism within the squad.
Fitness has also been a storyline for Jones personally, recovering from an Achilles problem that disrupted his season. “After the Six Nations, I needed a scan and some treatment. Now, I really feel back to my best,” he revealed. His form, coupled with unblemished fitness, offers a timely boost to the Lions backline options as the series draws near.
As summer rugby ramps up, the focus remains firmly on whether Wales can bounce back, if Australia can find their feet, and how the Lions will shape their midfield partnerships. With fitness, form, and conditions all in sharp focus, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the drama continues to unfold.