Japans Aussies plot Wallabies downfall in Tokyo

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TOKYO - Japan coach Eddie Jones is not the only man with Australian roots plotting an upset of the Wallabies on Saturday with Dylan Riley and his teammates Ben Gunter, Jack Cornelsen and Sam Greene all having been raised Down Under.

Centre Riley made his Brave Blossoms debut along with flanker Gunter in the 32-23 loss to Australia in Oita four years ago and is looking forward to pulling on the red and white jersey for the 34th time at Tokyos National Stadium.

Its the place where I grew up, and the country that gave me the opportunity, said the 28-year-old, who was born in South Africa but raised on Queenslands Gold Coast.

To play against the Wallabies then and now, Im always just grateful. Im super honoured to give back so thats what Im looking to do from tomorrow.

Obviously, the emotion comes into it when youre out on the field, but I know my role and what I need to do for the game, so I just try and focus on that.

Australia have opted to rest many of their top players for Saturdays match as they start a sequence of five tests in five weeks up until the end of November.

The Wallabies have enjoyed a resurgence under Joe Schmidt, Jones successor as coach, this year and Riley said Japan would not underestimate them.

Theyre a strong team, he added. Its obviously a different combination from what theyve put out previously, but nonetheless, very strong. So well look to shut down their key ball runners and put pressure on them.

Riley said Japan had also made great strides this year and thought their fast-paced style would test Australia as