On Saturday, August 9th, 2026, the Australian Wallabies will face Japan in a crucial rugby test match at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka. Australia is eager to secure back-to-back test wins for the first time since August last year, following their recent victory over Italy in July that ended a six-match losing streak.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson expressed cautious optimism ahead of the match, stating, "It's always nice to get a win after a fair few losses on the trot. It definitely gave the team a little bit more confidence, but we're very aware we need to be a consistent team, we want to be winning consistently. We've got an opportunity this Saturday to get two in a row and really try and build the momentum in our squad."

Wilson also warned about Japan's rapid style of play and their potent counterattack, saying, "We know, I guess, how fast tempo Japan plays and some of their counterattack is unbelievable. So we have to kick really smart and when we give them the ball, we have to put them in the right positions because their back three and their flyhalf are very electric with the ball."

The match will also mark the first game in charge for Australia's new coach Les Kiss, who will face off against Japan's coach Eddie Jones, a former Wallabies coach aiming to lead Japan to their first victory over Australia.

Notably, four players in Japan's matchday 23—lock Harry Hockings, centre Dylan Riley, and loose forwards Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter—were raised in Australia. Wilson, a Queensland Reds stalwart, commented, "There's a few familiar faces, a few Aussies I guess we grew up with," looking forward to the encounter.

The game is expected to be played under challenging conditions, with high temperatures and stifling humidity forecast at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

Sources

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