De Lutiis marks 1,000th Wallabies cap with a try as Australia routs Japan 56-17
Massimo De Lutiis went on as a second-half replacement to become the 1,000th player capped for the Wallabies, and marked the milestone with a try as Australia beat Japan 56-17 on Saturday to sweep the two-test rugby series. The 22-year-old De Lutiis went on in the 50th minute to replace veteran prop Taniela Tupou, who barged over for two first-half tries, and was on the shoulder of Angus Bell a…
Townsfolk gathered in Australia on Saturday as Massimo De Lutiis claimed the distinction of being the 1,000th player to receive a Wallabies cap, contributing to a resounding 56-17 victory against Japan in a two-test rugby series. The 22-year-old made his debut in the 50th minute, replacing veteran prop Taniela Tupou, who scored two first-half tries and was soon followed by Angus Bell to establish a 26-17 lead for Australia.
De Lutiis capitalized on an Australian attack in the 58th minute, scoring his own try and converting it. The margin widened to 18 points by the 58th minute, with scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan converting the try, leaving Japan struggling to keep pace. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson credited coach Les Kiss for boosting the team's confidence after a tough first half, where Japan's speed in defense and relentless attack forced the Wallabies to fight back from a try deficit.
De Lutiis' energetic contribution in the second half was described as "really special" by Wilson. The Wallabies secured a three-match winning streak since 2024 with this triumph, following earlier victories over Italy and Japan in Osaka.
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