Team of the Week: Rugby's Greatest Rivalry & Wallabies vs Japan

Monday, 17 August 2026 at 08:48

byTom Sansom

It was another week packed with statement performances, as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry rolled on and the Wallabies hosted Japan for their second test in Townsville.

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Australia completed their two-Test sweep over the Brave Blossoms, with a commanding 56-17 victory in Northern Queensland, pulling away spectacularly after a competitive first half. The Wallabies scored 42 unanswered points after the break, with their forwards proving particularly destructive.

In South Africa, meanwhile, the All Blacks continued their extraordinary start to Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. A 54-0 demolition of the Sharks on Tuesday was followed by another eight-try performance against the Bulls, with New Zealand running out 50-19 winners at Loftus Versfeld.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: RUGBY'S GREATEST RIVALRY & WALLABIES V JAPAN

15. Tom Wright (Australia)

Wright was one of Australia's most persistent attacking threats in Townsville, constantly looking to turn possession into territory. He carried with intent, attacked space intelligently and used his kicking game to keep Japan retreating. The Wallabies winger finished with 80 metres from 10 carries and seven defenders beaten, underlining just how influential he was going forward.

14. Max Jorgensen (Australia)

Jorgensen produced the kind of performance that makes his enormous potential increasingly difficult to ignore. His acceleration caused Japan problems throughout, while his work without the ball was equally impressive. A superb try-saving tackle prevented a certain score, and his command of the aerial contest repeatedly frustrated Japan. At just 21, this was a remarkably mature display.

13. Isaac Henry (Australia)

Henry took his opportunity with both hands in Townsville, bringing power and invention to Australia's midfield. The centre repeatedly broke the defensive line and was particularly dangerous when attacking from depth. His ability to carry through contact gave the Wallabies another dimension, while his defensive work showed he is far more than an attacking prospect. A hugely encouraging performance.

12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)

Barrett's influence against the Sharks went well beyond his own try. His kicking repeatedly forced New Zealand's opponents into uncomfortable positions, with his ability to find space behind the defensive line proving particularly effective in difficult conditions. He also played a key role in constructing attacking opportunities before finishing one of the All Blacks' best passages himself.

11. Leroy Carter (New Zealand)

Carter was at the centre of almost everything good about New Zealand's attack against the Bulls. His initial burst created the opening try before his finishing instincts came to the fore in the corner. He later provided another decisive contribution for Rieko Ioane and showed impressive defensive awareness when covering from deep. A lively, dangerous performance from the wing.

10. Josh Jacomb (New Zealand)

Jacomb looked increasingly comfortable directing the All Blacks' attack in Pretoria. His passing was sharp, his decision-making was composed and he consistently looked to play at pace. He also handled the Bulls' kicking threat superbly, including one particularly nervy situation close to his own line. With his attacking confidence growing, Jacomb continues to push his case amongst the fly half options of Ruben Love, Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.

9. Kyle Preston (New Zealand)

Preston brought genuine acceleration to the All Blacks' attack and refused to let the tempo drop around the breakdown. His extraordinary burst from a quick tap turned defence into a huge attacking opportunity, while his support play remained sharp throughout. He eventually got the reward his performance deserved with a try, completing another impressive showing on tour.

1. Angus Bell (Australia)

Bell was instrumental in Australia's dominance up front, combining his scrummaging responsibilities with plenty of impact around the park. He carried aggressively and helped establish the physical platform from which the Wallabies' attack flourished. His try was another reward for a powerful performance, while his work alongside Australia's tight five helped keep Japan under sustained pressure.

2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)

Taylor led from the front in Pretoria and made his presence felt where it mattered most. His work at the lineout provided a reliable source of possession, while his finishing ability added another layer to an already potent All Blacks attack. Two tries reflected his influence, including a clever quick-tap finish, before he was withdrawn at half-time.

3. Taniela Tupou (Australia)

Tupou delivered one of the week's standout individual performances, combining his trademark physicality with a remarkably productive spell in attack. The prop crossed twice before half-time and was equally destructive defensively, setting the tone for Australia's forward dominance. His contribution helped the Wallabies seize control of the contest and underlined the threat he remains at the highest level.

4. Ruan Vermaak (Bulls)

Vermaak provided the Bulls with one of their few consistent sources of momentum against New Zealand. He carried with aggression and refused to let the scoreline completely drain the hosts' energy. His reward came after the interval when he powered over for the Bulls' first try, giving Loftus Versfeld something to celebrate during an otherwise difficult afternoon.

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Australia)

Salakaia-Loto marked his return to Test rugby with a performance built around physicality and hard work. He carried strongly through the opening exchanges and repeatedly put his frame to good use in defence. His presence helped Australia establish control in the middle of the field, before he was withdrawn early in the second half following an effective 50-minute contribution.

6. Marcell Coetzee (Bulls)

Coetzee embodied the Bulls' resistance throughout their heavy defeat to New Zealand. The veteran back-rower repeatedly took the ball into contact and generated momentum when his side desperately needed it. He never stopped competing despite the scoreboard and eventually found his way over the line in the closing stages. A captain's performance in difficult circumstances.

7. Anton Segner (New Zealand)

Segner was relentless at the breakdown, turning what could have been a straightforward afternoon for the Bulls into a constant battle for possession. His work over the ball was outstanding and he combined that defensive menace with impressive attacking touches. A superb pass in the build-up to New Zealand's opening try showed there was much more to his game than breakdown disruption.

8. Faulua Makisi (Japan)

Makisi once again gave Japan a powerful focal point in attack, repeatedly demanding the ball and taking it into contact. The No.8 was among Japan's most effective carriers and showed impressive strength when confronted by multiple defenders. His willingness to keep playing positively even as Australia pulled away made him one of Japan's most prominent performers.