Australia holds on for 35-32 win over Japan in Les Kiss debut
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 1:29 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
Australia defeated Japan 35-32 on August 8 during Les Kiss’ first match as head coach. The Wallabies faced challenges after Miles Amatosero received a red card in the first half, prompting a struggle against Japan’s heated comeback efforts. Both teams entered halftime tied at 14-14. Max Jorgensen and Fraser McReight scored tries early in the second half to help Australia establish a nine-point lead, while Takuro Matsunaga’s penalties kept Japan in contention. Despite late pressure from Japan captain Warner Dearns, the Wallabies secured the victory.
- •Australia overcame a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero.
- •Teams entered halftime tied 14-14.
- •Max Jorgensen and Fraser McReight contributed tries in the second half.
- •Japan made a late push, reducing the lead to three points.
- •Les Kiss succeeded Joe Schmidt as head coach last month.
- 1:42 PMThe Guardian Sport — New coach Kiss off to a winning start as Wallabies rumble past bold Japan
- 1:29 PMYahoo Sports — Australia survives red card and Japan rally for a 35-32 win in Les Kiss debut
"Japan 32-35 Australia Wallabies withstand early red card and heat There was good, bad and plenty of ugly but the Les Kiss era is off to a winning start. Despite searing heat and a brave home side, the Wallabies shrugged off an early red card and a litany of reckless errors to welcome their new coach to international rugby with a brave and dramatic victory over Japan in Osaka. Against an unpredictable Brave Blossoms side coached by the former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones, the former rugby league player, who is coaching Australia’s union side despite never having played the game, escaped the ambush Jones laid for him and comes home with a heartening triumph. Continue reading...
"Australia held on for a tight 35-32 win over Japan on Saturday, in Les Kiss’ first match in charge. The Wallabies were forced to dig deep after a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero, battling the heat and a strong comeback from Japan to emerge victorious. Kiss took over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach last month after Australia went 1-2 in the Nations Championship, finishing the first phase with a win over Italy following losses to Ireland and France.
"Australia held on for a tight 35-32 victory over Japan, despite a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero, as they made a winning start in head coach Les Kiss' first match in charge.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportAug 8, 2026, 1:42 PMNew coach Kiss off to a winning start as Wallabies rumble past bold Japan
Japan 32-35 Australia Wallabies withstand early red card and heat There was good, bad and plenty of ugly but the Les Kiss era is off to a winning start. Despite searing heat and a brave home side, the Wallabies shrugged off an early red card and a litany of reckless errors to welcome their new coach to international rugby with a brave and dramatic victory over Japan in Osaka. Against an unpredictable Brave Blossoms side coached by the former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones, the former rugby league player, who is coaching Australia’s union side despite never having played the game, escaped the ambush Jones laid for him and comes home with a heartening triumph. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 1:29 PMAustralia survives red card and Japan rally for a 35-32 win in Les Kiss debut
Australia held on for a tight 35-32 win over Japan on Saturday, in Les Kiss’ first match in charge. The Wallabies were forced to dig deep after a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero, battling the heat and a strong comeback from Japan to emerge victorious. Kiss took over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach last month after Australia went 1-2 in the Nations Championship, finishing the first phase with a win over Italy following losses to Ireland and France.
- Sky Sports—Australia survive late Japan rally as new coach Kiss makes winning start
Australia held on for a tight 35-32 victory over Japan, despite a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero, as they made a winning start in head coach Les Kiss' first match in charge.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Rugby•Oct 19, 2026, 6:00 AMCrows young gun recognised at last with Rising Star nod
Rugby•Oct 19, 2026, 5:41 AMMATCH REVIEW: Dee charged with striking, Cat fined for rough conduct
NRL•Oct 19, 2026, 4:54 AMAn apology to Reece Walsh, the unfair draw and pre-match goosebumps: 20 thoughts from Rugby League World Cup, Week 1
Rugby•Oct 19, 2026, 4:50 AMCoaches' votes, R10: Garner increases the gap, Dees forward among SIX 10s
Rugby•Oct 19, 2026, 4:25 AMVictorian Swan turns back on rival offers to re-sign with Sydney
NRL•Oct 19, 2026, 3:34 AMFIVE November 1 NRL contract targets: Cronulla Sharks