Wallabies survive late Japan fightback to give Les Kiss winning debut

Australia began Les Kiss’s reign as head coach with a narrow 35-32 victory over Japan in Osaka on Saturday, holding off a late charge from the hosts to take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

The Wallabies appeared to have secured control of the match when they moved 35-25 ahead late in the contest. However, Japan kept the pressure on and reduced the deficit when Warner Dearns scored in the 78th minute, setting up a tense finish.

Australia managed to withstand the final challenge and secure victory in a closely fought match that was level at 14-14 at half-time.

Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight and Taniela Tupou crossed the line for the Wallabies. Ryan Lonergan converted four of Australia’s tries, while Ben Donaldson added one successful conversion.

Japan’s tries came from Ryunosuke Ito, Faulua Makisi, Kazuma Ueda and Dearns. Takuro Matsunaga contributed three conversions and two penalties in a high-scoring encounter.

Kiss, who was taking charge of Australia for the first time, said he had expected Japan to provide a demanding test after their recent performance against Ireland.

“We certainly knew they would be tough; they put the Irish under heaps of pressure,” Kiss said after the encounter.

The new Australia coach identified field position as an area his side needed to improve, while also praising the team’s defence for holding firm during the closing stages.

“The main thing is just to certainly control field position better; we could have probably kicked a little more.

“They’re fast and quick, I’m pleased our defence held up in the end.”

Australia’s five tries ensured they maintained an attacking threat throughout the match, but Japan matched them for long periods and refused to surrender despite trailing in the final quarter.

The hosts’ late score gave them a chance of completing a comeback, yet the Wallabies protected their three-point advantage to claim the opening match of the series.

Japan’s scoring was completed by Ryunosuke Ito, Faulua Makisi, Kazuma Ueda and Warner Dearns, with Takuro Matsunaga responsible for three conversions and two penalties.

Australia’s points came through tries from Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight and Taniela Tupou. Ryan Lonergan kicked four conversions and Ben Donaldson added one.