Japan player ratings vs Australia | Flight Centre Series 2026

Japan player ratings: It came down to the wire, but Australia managed to overcome a formidable Japan that was just four points away from creating history at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

Warner Dearns was once again outstanding for the Brave Blossoms, delivering one of his best-ever performances at Test match level. Ben Gunter and Ryunosuke Ito were not far behind, both turning in impressive displays to cap off a strong showing from the home side despite the result.

1. Takato Okabe – 6
Great battle against Alan Alaalatoa with neither conceding any mistakes at scrum time. Despite packing more than a few good carries to help Japan anchor its game deep inside Australia’s own half, the veteran loosehead conceded three penalties that helped Australia find the needed points to squeeze a win out of Osaka.

2. Hayate Era – 7.5
Besides a few skewed lineout throws, Era looked at his best, nailing 14 successful tackles and forcing two Wallabies handling mistakes.

3. Shuhei Takeuchi – 6.5
Like Okabe, Shuhei Takeuchi was capable of matching Aidan Ross’s scrum energy for most of the match. Still, once Tupou entered the contest, the 28-year-old prop struggled to cope with the increased pressure, conceding two penalties in under two minutes.

4. Jack Cornelsen – 7.5
Did his work well in the set-piece and provided a great lifeline to Japan when Australia tried to set up their driving maul. His contribution in attack was particularly noteworthy, gaining more than 70 metres and providing Japan with an unexpected weapon.

5. Warner Dearns – 9.5
Should be in contention for Play of the Year, as after an unreal opening month of the Nations Championship, Dearns was again big for Japan’s challenge against Australia. Controlled the lineout airwaves, dominated the breakdown and even ran some of his side’s most exhilarating runs. Unplayable at times, bagged his side’s final try of the game.

6. Ben Gunter – 7.5
Another Test Match, another successful jackal for the Brave Blossoms’ prime enforcer, Ben Gunter. Played a crucial role in shutting down two dangerous Australian attacks, forcing the Wallabies to concede penalties just metres from the whitewash.

7. Kanji Shimokawa – 7
The ‘quietest’ member of the back-row trio, Shimokawa nevertheless made his presence felt with 10 tackles and a lineout steal. Applied the right amount of pressure to ensure Harry Wilson didn’t have an easy time exiting the scrum.

8. Faulua Makisi – 8
Daunting physicality from Faulua Makisi that gifted some of the game’s best shots, while winning several clashes to win the gain-line. Capped off a strong all-round performance by scoring Japan’s second finish and thriving in the gritty side of the affair.

9. Naoto Saito – 7.5
Two try assists without needing to run with the ball. The former Stade Toulousain scrum-half webbed together the Brave Blossoms’ attack with a precise passing game and smart game management, helping Japan gain a foothold and control periods of the contest.

10. Ryunosuke Ito – 8
The wonderkid did his work well, albeit with a few mistakes here and there, losing control of the ball in two instances while creating a handful of try opportunities for Japan. His opening try was pure class, with the fly-half’s dazzling footwork completely bamboozling Harry Wilson and Tom Wright, carving open the Wallabies’ defence for a score that will be shown on repeat in the highlight reel.

11. Taira Main – 6.5
A couple of line breaks and 40 running metres for Main, who had some issues to contest Australia’s aerial game strategy.

12. Samisoni Tua – 7.5
Ferocious, relentless and abrasive. Tua was impressive from the get-go, managing to batter the opposition every single time he was requested to run with the pill. Delivered two dominant tackles that drove the Wallabies backwards, although one ultimately resulted in Australia winning a turnover at the breakdown.

13. Dylan Riley – 6.5
A handful of missed tackles and some questionable defensive reads were offset by a committed effort with ball in hand, but he never quite managed to impose himself on the contest. Japan also appeared to miss the unique energy and influence that Riley typically brings to the side.

14. Kazuma Ueda – 7
Crossed the whitewash once in a game that provided a try-saving tackle when Max Jorgensen was just a few metres from Japan’s in-goal area. While his overall contribution was positive, he encountered the same difficulties as Main under the high ball.

15. Takuro Matsunaga – 7
Excellent at times and ineffective at others, the fullback endured an inconsistent evening that ultimately amounted to a lukewarm performance. Near perfect from the tee, missing only a single conversion, while his booming territorial kicks repeatedly delivered Japan much-needed breathing room when Australia had them pinned deep inside their own 22.

REPLACEMENTS -7
Leitch came in at the right moment, with the legendary flanker making Australia go through some pain, although not enough to nail what could’ve been Japan’s first win over the Wallabies. Shunsuke Uenobo and Harry Hockings also added some spice to Japan’s game plan in the final quarter.