Australia survived an early red card and a slew of errors to beat Japan 35-32 in Osaka, giving new coach Les Kiss a winning start. Despite searing heat and a brave home side, the Wallabies shrugged off the dismissal of lock Miles Amatosero to secure a dramatic victory.
Early struggles and red card
Japan’s frantic football had Australia under siege early, with rapid breakdown work and precision passes feeding their express pace on the edges. Naoto Saitō’s clever kicks kept Australia pinned in their half, allowing Ryunosuke Ito to score. The Wallabies hit back quickly through Harry Potter, but with just 35% possession, they were on the back foot for most of the first quarter.
Kiss had made nine changes to the side that beat Italy 57-10 last month. Despite initial disconnection, Australia took the lead in the 27th minute as Tom Wright crossed in the corner. However, Amatosero’s reckless high shot saw him shown a yellow card, later upgraded to red, leaving Australia a man short for 20 minutes.
Second-half fightback
Japan led 14-all at half-time, but Australia’s finishers, including prop Angus Bell, sparked a second-half revival. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen combined for a try, and Fraser McReight added another. Despite Japan cutting the margin to three with penalty goals, Taniela Tupou rumbled over late to seal the win.
Australia had been averaging 38 points a Test in 2026 but had won only one of their previous three. This victory gives Kiss a heartening start as he prepares for a rematch in Townsville.
