Wallabies Survive Japan Scare: Les Kiss Era Begins with Thrilling 35-32 Victory
In a gripping encounter in Osaka, the Wallabies secured a hard-fought 35-32 victory over Japan in new coach Les Kiss’s first Test in charge. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Australia forced to dig deep after being reduced to 14 men early in the second half. Miles Amatosero was shown a red card for a dangerous cleanout, a decision that drew criticism from former Wallaby Michael Hooper, who believed it should have been a yellow. Despite the setback, the visitors showed resilience and character to clinch the win.
The Wallabies’ bench proved to be the difference-maker, injecting fresh energy and maintaining pressure on Japan. Taniela Tupou crashed over for a crucial try, giving Australia a 10-point lead with just 10 minutes remaining. However, Japan fought back valiantly, and with eight minutes left, the score was a tense 32-32. The match was a testament to the Wallabies’ depth, with the replacements making a significant impact to turn the tide in their favor.
Flyhalf Declan Meredith had a challenging night with his exit kicking, often failing to gain valuable ground, which allowed Japan to sustain pressure. His struggles were a concern, but the team’s overall performance overshadowed individual errors. Josh Canham was a standout at lineout time, winning crucial ball on both Australian and Japanese throws, providing a solid platform for the visitors.
The victory marks a positive start for Les Kiss, but the narrow margin and the red card incident highlight areas for improvement. The Wallabies will need to address discipline and execution as they prepare for future challenges. This win, though scrappy, showcases the team’s fighting spirit and sets a promising tone for the Kiss era.
Shimanta Das 
