Wallabies vs Brave Blossoms Lipovitan D Challenge Cup Match 15 August 2026 Preview

rugbyasia247 Posted On August 13, 2026

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Australia vs Japan 2026 Lipovitan D Challenge Cup Match 15 August Preview

Following the Brave Blossoms’ 32-25 loss at Hanazono Rugby Stadium last weekend, they now face a tougher challenge by taking on the Wallabies in Townsville at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday 15 August.

Feature Photo Credit – JRFU

Japan dropped two places in the World Rugby rankings after the 35-32 loss in Osaka last weekend, but most importantly, it will be how they have regathered themselves for a game they let get away and narrowly missed out on a first-ever win over the Wallabies.

For Australia, they will want to keep the momentum and secure a first home Test win under Less Kiss – the win last week was their first back-to-back victories in a year.

This is their first meeting on Australian soil since the Wallabies won 42-23 at Concord Oval in Sydney in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, and the first match the sides have played outside of Japan since Australia’s 91-3 victory at RWC 2007.

It’s the Wallabies who have made more personnel changes with the withdrawal of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii due to a hamstring strain, and Miles Amatosero handed a match suspension due to his red card.

Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: “The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan. The whole group has worked hard this week, and we know where we need to improve. This Saturday in Townsville gives us an opportunity to grow and strengthen our game on home soil in front of our supporters.”

Photo Credit – Rugby Australia

Carter Gordon returns at flyhalf for the Wallabies and Isaac Henry is selected for his first Test start at outside centre.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is back and partners Lachlan Shaw in the second row; the back row sees Charlie Cale selected for his first start at blindside flanker with captain Harry Wilson and Carlo Tizzano in the loose trio. The starting front row is bolstered as both Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell start.

On the bench, Massimo De Lutiis could earn his Test debut and would become Wallaby #1000. Filipo Daugunu also comes into the matchday 23 from the bench.

Eddie Jones has remained more consistent with his selections. He handed out the most debutants in the southern hemisphere series of the Nations Championship (7).

Jack Cornelsen starts instead of Harry Hockings, who is on the bench in the second row, and Thienan Costley starts with Koji Shimokawa replaced in the matchday squad.

Among the backs, Haruto Kida replaces Taira Main on the left wing, and Shunsuke Uenobo replaces Samisoni Tua at outside centre (it’s only his 3rd cap, having made his debut in the Nations Championship), and on the right wing Yoshitaka Yazaki starts instead of Kazuma Ueda.

Photo Credit – JRFU

In the reserves, Izi Sword and Itsuki Kamimura could earn just their second and third caps respectively.

As we saw last week, Japan showed good maturity when they were chasing the lead late in the game. Fullback Takuro Matsunaga’s two penalties and two conversions against Australia have taken his tally to 44 points for the year, the most by any player outside of a Guinness Men’s Six Nations team. His kicking might be key if they are to finally get a win over the men in gold.

They will want to address the breakdown as they lost the turnover battle, but when they had the ball, they created quick ruck ball of 73% against Australia. The Brave Blossoms will also want to drastically improve their efficiency when they create try-scoring opportunities – their try per entry into the opposition 22 conversion rate is only 25%.

They were also exposed too easily on the edges defensively. Have they corrected enough of these in the space of a week to overcome Australia in their backyard? We think probably not, but it should be another close contest, and if they can find 10 per cent improvements, they might make history.

Match Permutations

Just like last week, Australia can not improve on their current ranking of eighth
Japan’s place in the top 12 is safe even if they lose
A draw will take Japan back into the world’s top 10
If the Brave Blossoms win by more than 15 points, they will replace Fiji in ninth.

Match Officials – Australia vs Japan August 15 2026

Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referee 1: Angus Mabey (NZR)
Assistant Referee 2: Marcus Playle (NZR)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZR)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

Japan Brave Blossoms Squad vs Australia – August 15 2026

You can see more about the squad selection here.

Australia Squad vs Japan – August 15 2026

The Wallaby squad can be seen here.

1. Angus Bell (54 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (14 Tests) – #979; Easts Tigers
3. Taniela Tupou (71 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Lachlan Shaw (2 Tests) – #996; University of Queensland
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (45 Tests); Randwick
6. Charlie Cale (3 Tests) – #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (15 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (40 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (9 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Carter Gordon (10 Tests) – #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Harry Potter (13 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (36 Tests) – #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Isaac Henry (1 Test) – #999; Kenmore Bears
14. Max Jorgensen (24 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (47 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles

Reserves

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (22 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Aidan Ross (4 Tests) – #994; Bond University
18. Massimo De Lutiis* – uncapped; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Jeremy Williams (29 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Fraser McReight (43 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
21. Tate McDermott (54 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (22 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (22 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs

*denotes potential Test debut
Australia Squad vs Japan – August 15 2026

How To Watch the Wallabies vs Brave Blossoms 2026 Test

The JRFU said the game will be broadcast live on BS Nippon Television 19:00- / J SPORTS 18:35- / Live Streaming: Hulu 19:00- / J SPORTS On Demand 18:35.

Please check broadcast and streaming options in your region.