Eddie Jones' Japan host Australia in Osaka on Saturday in a match that could have big implications for Wales. Should the Brave Blossoms lose to the Wallabies, Steve Tandy's side will move back into the top 10 for the first time since July 2024. Victory for the Wallabies would also mark the perfect start to Les Kiss's reign, having replaced Joe Schmidt as head coach.
Kick-off time and venue
The match kicks off at 11.05am BST (7.05pm local time) on Saturday, August 8, at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka.
TV and streaming details
Unfortunately, the match is not being broadcast on TV in the UK. Stan Sports hold the rights for the broadcast in Australia. The match was originally advertised as being streamed on RugbyPass TV, but is no longer appearing in their listings.
Team news
Japan: Takuro Matsunaga; Kazuma Ueda, Dylan Riley, Samisoni Tua, Taira Main; Ryunosuke Ito, Naoto Saito; Takao Okabe, Hayate Era, Shuhei Takeuchi, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns (c), Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa, Faulua Makisi. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Sojiro Otsuka, Keijiro Tamefusa, Harry Hockings, Michael Leitch, Tiennan Costley, Shunsuke Uenobo, Yoshitaka Yazaki.
Australia: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Miles Amatosero, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c). Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry.
Officials
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU). Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZR), Morgan White (HKCR). TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR). FPRO: Matt Rodden (HKCR).
