It took a while for Australia to shift into gear and the opening ten minutes saw Japan produce a resolute defence stopping the Australians short of the line on a number of occasions and producing some spirited counter-attacks. However, the Blossoms failed to get out of their own half and the half time scoreboard in Lyon showed that Australia had finally clicked into gear leading 23-3.
Rocky Elsom produced the Rugby World Cup’s quickest hat-trick by a forward just after the restart as he bagged his third try and at this point the Australian onslaught began with Berrick Barnes, Chris Latham and Drew Mitchell bagging a brace of tries each. Stirling Mortlock converted seven of the thirteen tries along with two penalties and Matt Giteau kicked the three conversions.
Australia face Wales next on Saturday 15th September 2007.
