LIVE: Wallabies return to Townsville to host Japan

Sat, Aug 15, 2026, 3:20 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Highlights from the Wallabies' clash with Japan in The Flight Centre Series at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka.

The Wallabies will finish off their two-Test series against Japan in Townsville.

The hosts were victorious last week, holding on for a tense three point lead in Osaka.

Watch every second of the Wallabies' Tests against Japan live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Carter Gordon headlines a host of changes made by coach Les Kiss, which include the potential debut of Massimo De Lutiis, making him Wallaby #1000.

As for Japan, they are still searching for their first win over Australia after another narrow loss.

Queensland-born lock Harry Hockings has been elevated into the starting side.

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE

PRE GAME
WELCOME

Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the Wallabies' clash with Japan in Townsville.

Conditions in North Queensland have been perfect all weekend, and today is no different, aside from some cloud cover that's keeping it cooler.

A lot of gold in the streets as you walk around, with a solid crowd expected for the contest.


WALLABIES v JAPAN TEAMS

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Charlie Cale, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Taniela Tupou, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Jeremy Williams, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu

JAPAN (15-1): Takuro Matsunaga; Yoshitaka Yazaki, Dylan Riley, Shunsuke Uenobo, Haruto Kida; Ryunosuke Ito, Naoto Saito; Faulua Makisi, Tiennan Costley, Ben Gunter; Warner Dearns (capt), Harry Hockings; Shuhei Takeuchi, Hayate Era, Takato Okabe

Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Sojiro Otsuka, Izi Sword, Jack Cornelsen, Michael Leitch, Itsuki Kamimura, Samisoni Tua, Kazuma Ueda

Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey (NZR) & Marcus Playle (NZR)

TMO: Glenn Newman (NZR)

FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

HOW TO WATCH WALLABIES v JAPAN IN AUSTRALIA

The Wallabies' clash with Japan will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.

Coverage will be live on Stan Sport, scheduled to start at 2:30 pm AEST.

The game will also be shown on free-to-air, set to begin at 3:00 pm.

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