OSAKA, Japan — Australia held on to beat Japan 35-32 in a closely contested rugby test on Saturday, giving new Wallabies head coach Les Kiss a winning start in his first match in charge.
The Wallabies overcame a first-half red card to lock Miles Amatosero and a sustained Japanese challenge at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashi-Osaka. Australia entered halftime level at 14-14 after Amatosero was sent off in the 32nd minute following a dangerous cleanout on Japan captain Warner Dearns. He had initially received a yellow card before the decision was upgraded to red.
Despite playing with 14 men, Australia moved ahead early in the second half. Tries by Max Jorgensen and Fraser McReight helped the visitors establish a nine-point advantage, but Japan responded through two penalties from Takuro Matsunaga.
Taniela Tupou then scored to extend Australia's lead to 10 points with about 10 minutes remaining. Japan refused to concede, with Dearns crossing for a try that cut the deficit to three points and set up a tense finish. Australia held possession sufficiently to preserve its lead and secure the victory.
The match was played in temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, adding to the physical demands on both teams. The result also marked the start of a new Wallabies coaching era after Kiss replaced Joe Schmidt last month. Schmidt's Australia had won one of three matches in the opening phase of the 2026 Nations Championship, beating Italy after defeats by Ireland and France.
Japan is coached by former Australia head coach Eddie Jones, who is in his second spell leading the Japanese national side. The match was the first of a two-test series between the teams, with the second scheduled for Aug. 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Australia. Rugby Australia had confirmed the home-and-away series as part of the Wallabies' 2026 program ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
The 35-32 result gives Australia the early advantage in the series, while Japan will have the opportunity to level it in Townsville next weekend.
