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Eager Wallabies keen to get going in Japan

3 minute read

The Wallabies have arrived in Japan half a day behind schedule and are keen to make up for lost time at their training base in Odawara.

ALLAN ALAALATOA
ALLAN ALAALATOA Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

The Wallabies are vowing to make up for lost time after arriving in Japan half a day later than planned to begin their final preparations for the Rugby World Cup.

Australia's 31-man playing squad and support staff were greeted by an enthusiastic welcome in Tokyo late on Monday night, with their arrival having been pushed back by a damaging typhoon which struck the country earlier in the day.

A group of about 40 supporters, who appeared to all be Japanese but were clad in green and gold, formed a line and shouted greetings as the players disembarked.

Tuesday morning was spent completing commercial obligations before the team had a light run.

Prop Allan Alaalatoa said the players had been looking forward to the hit out after the delayed departure from Sydney and a desire to work on issues that cropped up in last Saturday's 34-15 win over Samoa.

Like his teammates, he had energy to burn just 11 days out from their opening pool match against Fiji in Sapporo.

"It's going to be a tough week but it's something the boys are excited for," he said.

"(Odawara) is a chance to acclimatise to the weather but also it's an opportunity to get together again and find ways to get better from the last Samoan game and finding ways to grow throughout the week."

The team will spend eight days using the same training and accommodation facilities as a year ago when they enjoyed a week in the city south of Tokyo preparing for their Bledisloe Cup Test in Yokohama.

No fresh injury concerns emerged against Samoa, leaving the only fitness question marks over outside centre pair Tevita Kuridrani and Jordan Petaia, who both have hamstring issues.

Kuridrani was expected to be available to face Fiji while uncapped teenager Petaia may not be ready until the second pool match against Wales.

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