Wallabies Survive Osaka Thriller As Les Kiss Begins With Victory

Australia have begun the Les Kiss era with a dramatic 35-32 victory over Japan in Osaka, surviving a furious late fightback from Eddie Jones’ side in a match that went down to the wire.

The Wallabies looked on course for a comfortable start to their new era at various points, but Japan refused to give up and pushed Australia all the way in a thrilling contest.

Despite spending 20 minutes with 14 players following a red card for lock Miles Amatosero, Australia managed to hold their nerve and secure an important opening victory.

Les Kiss Era Begins With A Win

The appointment of Les Kiss represents the beginning of a new chapter for Australian rugby, and the new head coach could hardly have asked for a more dramatic introduction.

Australia eventually came away with a 35-32 victory, but the scoreline tells the story of just how competitive the match became.

The Wallabies showed attacking promise while also demonstrating the resilience needed to close out a Test match under enormous pressure.

For Kiss, securing a victory in his first match provides an important foundation as he looks to rebuild Australian rugby.

Japan Refuse To Go Away

Eddie Jones’ Japan produced exactly the type of performance expected from a side coached by one of the game’s most experienced tacticians.

The Brave Blossoms continued to attack Australia throughout the match and took full advantage whenever opportunities presented themselves.

Their late surge transformed the closing stages into a nervy affair for the Wallabies, with Japan searching desperately for the score that could have completed an extraordinary comeback.

Australia’s defence ultimately held firm.

Wallabies Forced To Play With 14 Men

One of the biggest talking points was the red card shown to Miles Amatosero.

The dismissal meant Australia were forced to play with 14 players for a full 20-minute period, creating a huge challenge against a Japan side capable of moving the ball quickly.

Rather than allowing the numerical disadvantage to completely derail their performance, the Wallabies managed to withstand the pressure.

Their ability to survive the period with a player down could prove particularly valuable as the new coaching regime develops.

A Huge Test Of Character

The Wallabies’ victory was about more than simply scoring 35 points.

They were forced to deal with:

• A new coaching system
• A determined Japanese attack
• A 20-minute red-card period
• Relentless pressure late in the match
• A three-point winning margin

Yet Australia found a way to finish on top.

That resilience will be one of the biggest positives Les Kiss can take from his first match in charge.

Japan Can Take Plenty Of Positives

Despite the defeat, Japan demonstrated that they remain a dangerous opponent for any major rugby nation.

Scoring 32 points against Australia and pushing the Wallabies to the final stages will provide encouragement for Jones and his players.

The Brave Blossoms’ attacking ambition was particularly evident during their late comeback attempt, and they will know that with slightly greater accuracy and discipline, they could have produced one of the biggest results of the weekend.

Final Thoughts

The Les Kiss era has officially begun, and it has started with a victory.

Australia defeated Japan 35-32 in Osaka, but the Wallabies were forced to work extremely hard for the result after Miles Amatosero’s red card left them playing with 14 men for 20 minutes.

Eddie Jones’ Japan pushed Australia to the limit with a ferocious late comeback, but the Wallabies held their nerve when it mattered most.

A new coach. A dramatic opening Test. A three-point victory.

Les Kiss has his first win — but Australia have plenty to work on.