Wallabies face extreme heat and typhoon ahead of Japan Test

The Australian Wallabies arrived in Osaka for a two‑match Test series against Japan amid Japan’s third week of an unprecedented heatwave. Temperatures in Osaka have reached 37 °C with humidity around 68 %, giving a "feels‑like" temperature close to 45 °C. The Japan Meteorological Agency has labeled days above 40 °C as “cruelly hot” (kokushobi). The team has altered its schedule, adding extra water breaks and cooling measures during training sessions.

The first Test is set for Saturday night at Hanazono Rugby Stadium. Les Kiss makes his debut as Wallabies head coach, while assistant coach Scott McLeod warned that Typhoon Dolphin could bring wind gusts up to 216 km/h and heavy rain to southern Japan. Player hooker Josh Nasser downplayed the conditions, noting they are similar to Australian summers. Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will also be on the sidelines, this time leading Japan, which includes several Australian‑born players.

Both sides expect a physically demanding match, but the Wallabies remain focused on executing their game plan despite the extreme weather.