Australia holds on for 35-32 win over Japan in Les Kiss debut
Yahoo Sports • 1 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.
- 1:29 PMYahoo Sports — Australia 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.
"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- 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.
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