A new-look Wallabies side battled past Eddie Jones’ Japan in wet conditions in Tokyo on Saturday.
The Wallabies held off a fierce second-half surge from the Brave Blossoms to start their five-Test tour with a 19-15 win before facing England, Italy, Ireland and France in Europe over the next month.
Nick Champion de Crespigny, captaining the side in only his third international, crashed over early from close range to put Australia in front.
Josh Flook then finished off a slick attacking move to extend the lead, before Japan’s Seungsin Lee landed a penalty to make it 12-3 at half time.
This one counts
#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/ppfwQWaQJw
— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 25, 2025
After the break, Shuhei Takeuchi powered over to spark hope for the hosts, but Carlo Tizzano restored Australia’s advantage moments later with a try of his own.
Australia-born Japan flanker Ben Gunter crossed midway through the second half to set up a tense finish, but the Wallabies showed enough composure in the closing stages to hang on for the win.
Shinobu by name, Shinobi by nature 🥷
Fujiwara powers through, Gunter finishes — another Brave Blossoms try#JPNvAUS
pic.twitter.com/cSrGS93RCx— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) October 25, 2025
Both sides had early injury setbacks – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Shogo Nakano leaving the field within the opening 10 minutes – while Japan’s Charlie Lawrence and Takeuchi were both yellow-carded in a stop-start contest.
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The match also saw prop Aidan Ross make history off the bench, becoming just the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test rugby.
– AFP
Photo: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images
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