‘He’d walk into the Wallabies’: Japan benefit from Australian-raised talent

Australia's national rugby team, the Wallabies, face a unique challenge this weekend as they prepare to take on Japan in Osaka. For the first time, the opposition lineup includes up to five Australian-raised players, Harry Hockings, Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter, and possibly Sam Greene, alongside head coach Michael Jones. This marks a shift in international rugby dynamics, where teams increasingly rely on players who grew up in Australia but now represent other nations due to personal choices and professional opportunities. The presence of these players highlights a growing trend in global rugby, where athletes born and raised in one country choose to represent another, often due to extended stays abroad. In recent months, several matches have featured Australian-raised players on opposing sides, including encounters with France, Italy, and Ireland. However, the current matchup against Japan stands out due to the number of such players on the opposing side. Among these players, Harry Hockings emerges as a standout figure. A towering 205cm lock, Hockings was once considered a future mainstay of the Wallabies. His potential seemed bright after making his Super Rugby debut for Queensland at just 19 in 2018 under the guidance of then-coach Brad Thorn, who believed Hockings could accumulate 100 Test caps for Australia. That trajectory changed dramatically during the pandemic when Hockings, alongside teammates Isaac Lucas and Izack Rodda, refused to accept a 60% pay cut imposed by the Reds during the suspension of the competition. As a result, all three were released by the club and subsequently moved overseas. Hockings and Lucas joined Suntory in Japan, where they have remained ever since. After completing the required five-year residency, Hockings became eligible to represent Japan and was called up by Jones last year. Although he could have made his debut against the Wallabies in October, Jones opted to delay his international debut, choosing instead to have him make his Test debut against Wales in November. Now, Hockings is set to face his former compatriots for the first time in Osaka. Former Wallaby Sean McMahon, who played 24 Tests for Australia and currently plays alongside Hockings at Suntory, praised Hockings' abilities. Describing him as a "workhorse," McMahon noted that Hockings possesses skills comparable to All Blacks legends Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. He emphasized Hockings' versatility, noting his ability to contribute beyond traditional lineout duties through offloads and running game. McMahon acknowledged the difficulty Hockings faced in deciding to represent Japan rather than Australia. He compared Hockings' situation to that of other notable players who chose to represent different countries, including Tom Staniforth, Manny Meafou, Sione Tuipulotu, and Mack Hansen. These players, according to McMahon, exemplify the commitment required to fulfill residency obligations in foreign leagues. Other players in Japan's squad, such as Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen, and Ben Gunter, share similar backgrounds. They all played schoolboy rugby in Brisbane before moving to Japan to join the Saitama Wild Knights. Their experience playing against the Wallabies prior to joining Japanese clubs adds another layer of complexity to this weekend's encounter. As the Wallabies prepare to face this uniquely composed opposition, the match promises to be a test of resilience and adaptability. With multiple Australian-raised players on the opposing side, the Wallabies must navigate not only tactical challenges but also the emotional and psychological aspects of facing familiar faces turned adversaries.