In his first game as Wallabies coach, Les Kiss tests himself against compatriot Eddie Jones
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Japan vs Australia kicks-off a new era for the visiting Wallabies, in Osaka, as head coach Les Kiss takes charge of his first game. This is the first of a two-game series, with a return fixture to be held in Townsville, Queensland next weekend.
Japan coach Eddie Jones will be relishing the chance to inflict an early blow on his newly installed Aussie compatriot, particularly with the opportunity to make history also on the line. Last October's 19-15 defeat in Tokyo was the closest Japan have come to beating Australia and the Brave Blossoms will fancy their chances here, having battled well in losses to France and Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship, after an opening win over Italy. Jones is one of several connections to the Brave Blossoms' opponents, including Australia-born forwards Harry Hockings and Jack Cornelsen.
The 61-year-old Kiss replaces Joe Schmidt in the Wallabies hot seat after his predecessor won just 12 of 31 Tests, with last month's 57-10 rout of Italy in the Nations Championship ending a run of six successive defeats. Kiss will be expected to get off to a good start against a Japan side who have lost all of their previous seven meetings with Australia, although the heat and the Jones factor make this an awkward encounter. The new head coach has made five changes to his XV from the win over Italy, while fly-half Isaac Henry is set to make his debut off the bench.
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Japan vs Australia is not set to be show in the US, after it was removed from RugbyPass TV earlier this week.
However, RugbyPass TV is set to show live coverage of next Saturday's second Test in Townsville.
Outside of the US? Use a VPN while you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Unfortunately, Japan vs Australia is not currently listed to be shown live anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
In the UK on vacation right now? Stream your regular content as normal thanks to NordVPN.
In Australia, Japan vs Australia is exclusive to Stan Sport.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$9.99/month. As well as watching Japan vs Australia, you can also access live coverage of huge competitions including the Six Nations, Rugby's Greatest Rivalry and the Rugby Championship.
