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International Rugby / Friday, 14 August 2026 at 08:56 JST

Premiership playoff race sharpens in the run-in

Australia head coach called in Carter Gordon to face Japan in Townsville but will keep investigating his flyhalf options before next year’s World Cup May the merry-go-round continue, after Wallabies coach Les Kiss promised to keep looking through his options at No 10 before the clash with Japan in Townsville on Saturday. The Wallabies’ new supremo has shuffled the side in only his second Test, making wholesale changes to his pack as he seeks the comprehensive victory against the Brave Blossoms many hoped would arrive last week. It is Kiss’s decision, however, to bring in Carter Gordon at No 10 – but then also pledge to keep investigating his flyhalf options – that underscores the uncertainty within the Wallabies as the clock ticks toward next year’s home World Cup. Continue reading...

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International Rugby

Premiership playoff race sharpens in the run-in

Australia head coach called in Carter Gordon to face Japan in Townsville but will keep investigating his flyhalf options before next year’s World Cup May the merry-go-round continue, after Wallabies coach Les Kiss promised to keep looking through his options at No 10 before the clash with Japan in Townsville on Saturday. The Wallabies’ new supremo has shuffled the side in only his second Test, making wholesale changes to his pack as he seeks the comprehensive victory against the Brave Blossoms many hoped would arrive last week. It is Kiss’s decision, however, to bring in Carter Gordon at No 10 – but then also pledge to keep investigating his flyhalf options – that underscores the uncertainty within the Wallabies as the clock ticks toward next year’s home World Cup. Continue reading...

Source: The Guardian Rugby Union / 14 Aug, 00:00 JST

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Premiership playoff race sharpens in the run-in sits in International Rugby because international rugby shapes selection debates, union strategy, player pathways and the fixtures that define each Test cycle. The important part is not only the headline; it is what the story changes for teams, players, supporters and the next competitive decision.

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Australia head coach called in Carter Gordon to face Japan in Townsville but will keep investigating his flyhalf options before next year’s World Cup May the merry-go-round continue, after Wallabies coach Les Kiss promised to keep looking through his options at No 10 before the clash with Japan in Townsville on Saturday. The Wallabies’ new supremo has shuffled the side in only his second Test, making wholesale changes to his pack as he seeks the comprehensive victory against the Brave Blossoms many hoped would arrive last week. It is Kiss’s decision, however, to bring in Carter Gordon at No 10 – but then also pledge to keep investigating his flyhalf options – that underscores the uncertainty within the Wallabies as the clock ticks toward next year’s home World Cup. Continue reading...

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