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

Skipper Harry Wilson expressed optimism but urged caution, highlighting Japan’s rapid tempo and potent counterattack. "It's always nice to get a win after a fair few losses on the trot," Wilson said during a press conference in Osaka on Friday. He added, "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 noted the challenging conditions expected at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, with high temperatures and stifling humidity forecasted. He stressed the importance of strategic kicking to manage Japan’s electric back three and flyhalf.

The match marks the first in charge for new Wallabies coach Les Kiss, who will face off against Japan’s coach Eddie Jones, a former Wallabies coach aiming for Japan’s first-ever win over Australia.

Adding a personal dimension to the contest, four of Japan's matchday 23 players—lock Harry Hockings, centre Dylan Riley, and loose forwards Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter—were raised in Australia. Wilson, a Queensland Reds stalwart, looks forward to reconnecting with these familiar faces.

Notable Quotes

  • "It's always nice to get a win after a fair few losses on the trot," said Wilson.
  • "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 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."
  • "There's a few familiar faces, a few Aussies I guess we grew up with," Wilson remarked.

Sources

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