A Rocky start for Japan
Rocky Elsom scored a hat-trick of tries as double world champions Australia opened their campaign with a predictable romp past Japan.
Elsom went over twice in the first half following Nathan Sharpe's opening try as the Australians carved out a 23-3 lead at the break.
Australia's Nathan Sharpe scores a try, with a little help from Matt Dunning
The second half, however, was one-sided as the Japanese wilted and conceded 10 tries.
Elsom completed his treble, Chris Latham, debutant Berrick Barnes and Drew Mitchell each touched down twice and Adam Ashley-Cooper, George Smith and Adam Freier also crossed.
Stirling Mortlock kicked 20 points and Matt Giteau six, with Kosei Ono booting Japan's at the end of the first half.
Japan offered virtually no threat but the manner of Australia's triumph will have caused brows to furrow in Wales — the two nations meet in Cardiff on Saturday.
Stirling Mortlock of Australia is tackled by Nataniela Oto of Japan
Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham has pulled out of a move to Edinburgh after breaking off his contract with the club's former owners.
AUSTRALIA: Latham; Ashley-Cooper (Mitchell 59min), Mortlock (Gerrard 68), Giteau, Tuqiri; Larkham (Barnes 54), Gregan; Dunning, Moore (Freier 68), Baxter (Shepherdson 51), Sharpe (McMeniman 51), Vickerman, Elsom, Smith, Palu (Hoiles 68).
JAPAN: Kusumi; Kitagawa, Taira, Oto, Onazawa; K Ono, Yatomi; Yamamoto, Inokuchi, Yamamura, Kumagae, Vatuvei, Watanabe, Sasaki (Makiri 48), Kiso.
Referee: A Lewis (Ireland).
