We thought the Brave Blossoms would get their 1st Test win over the Wallabies, and they nearly did, but narrowly lost 32-25 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka City (Osaka) on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Feature Photo Credit: JRFU
The win for Less Kiss in his first game as Head Coach means it’s 8 wins for the Wallabies over Japan, but it’s getting closer. The Japanese have now lost by 9 points, 4 points and 3 points in their last three defeats to Australia.
Kiss said: “Some kicking went astray, overplayed a couple of times. You want to be ambitious but at the same time temper that. We’ll have a look at it, but overall, it’s a test win. They’re a good team (Japan). They play fast and hard at home… They’re a tough team to play against.”
As expected, the conditions were sweltering, and the heat will be further under the spotlight after the tragic loss of Saimoni Vunilagi, the Fijian-born player, who died after being hospitalised with symptoms of heatstroke after training with his D2 JRLO club Kyuden Voltex. There have also been rugby losses in Malaysia this year attributed to the weather.
Teams Even at the Break
Photo Credit – JRFU
The sold-out crowd were treated to plenty of excitement in the first half, and the sides were tied 14-14 at the break. Opening tries from Ryunosuke Ito and Harry Potter saw them carve up defences and score great tries. Japan had the territorial and possession advantage by the first water break. They also spilt plenty of ball in attack.
Tom Wright put the visitors ahead with a second try. A 20-minute red card for Miles Amatosero (upgraded from yellow on review) at the end of the first half saw Japan take advantage with Faulua Makisi scoring from a powerful run.
Warner Dearns nearly scored after breaking through, but a Wright turnover stole back possession.
Wallabies Edge Second Half
Photo Credit – JRFU
We think Japan will look back at this and rue the missed opportunity. They had more line breaks, defenders beaten and carries. Australia made 165 tackles vs Japan’s 117.
But it was Australia who scored first through Max Jorgensen, even with a man down. Aside from missing a scramble defence when their line was broken, Japan only won 2 turnovers compared to the 8 won by the Wallabies. The breakdown area was won by the visitors, and we pointed out the loose trio as one of the key areas to watch before the game.
Kazuma Ueda pulled a try back to keep in touch for Japan.
The reserves from the Wallabies also made a greater impact and the visitors kept their noses ahead all of the second half.
Fraser McReight scored, and Japan responded with two penalties. Taniela Tupou scored from close range with ten minutes left – Ben Donaldson’s conversion gave them a ten-point lead and left the Japanese too much to do – even though they created plenty of chances.
Warner Dearns did get a try in the 77th minute, but the Wallabies closed out the match for a hard-fought win.
Eddie Jones said: “Fundamental errors let us down when we were gaining some momentum. I thought we played quite well, but obviously not well enough to win the game.”
Japan have now scored 27 points vs Italy, 20 vs Ireland, 15 vs France, and 32 vs Australia – attack is not the issue.
They go again next week in Townsville for the second match of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup.
Photo Credit – JRFU – Edie Jones in the post-game press conference
Try Scorers
- Australia: Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight and Taniela Tupou
- Japan: Ryunosuke Ito, Warner Dearns, Faulua Makisi and Kazuma Ueda
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