Japan hosts Australia in Osaka test ahead of 2026 Rugby World Cup

Japan's Brave Blossoms will meet the Australian Wallabies at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Saturday, August 8, in a Lipovitan D Challenge Cup match that serves as a warm‑up for the 2026 Rugby World Cup. The game marks new Wallabies coach Les Kiss’s first test, while former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones now leads Japan.

Japan are ranked 10th and Australia 8th; their last encounter on 24 October 2025 ended 19‑15 to the Wallabies. The Osaka venue is expected to host up to 25,000 fans amid high humidity and a forecast of 37 °C heat, with a possible Typhoon Dolphin threat. Kiss has made nine changes to his 23‑man squad, aiming to build depth and a winning start after a 12‑win record under former coach Joe Schmidt. Japan, fresh from a Nations Championship win over Italy and defeats to Ireland and France, have also tweaked their line‑up, retaining fly‑half Ryunosuke Ito.

Both coaches highlighted preparation: Kiss stressed the need for balance and cohesion, while Jones hopes his side can challenge the Wallabies on home soil. The match offers both teams a chance to gauge form ahead of the World Cup, with the Japanese hoping for a historic first win over Australia in front of a home crowd.