The Wallabies are back in action, and this time they’re taking on a familiar face. When Australia meets Japan this weekend, all eyes will be on Eddie Jones — the former Wallabies coach now leading the Brave Blossoms. This clash marks the first meeting between the two sides since 2021, and with World Cup seeding and pride on the line, it promises to be more than just a friendly.
WATCH: Japan vs Wallabies Rugby
A Rivalry Reignited
The Test marks the beginning of Australia’s end-of-year northern tour following a brief two-week break. The Wallabies, currently sitting outside the world’s top six and with four wins from 10 Tests this season, are eager to build momentum heading into 2027 World Cup preparations. Adding extra spice to the contest is the reunion with Jones, whose split from Rugby Australia after the 2023 World Cup was one of the most talked-about stories in the sport.
The Wallabies have never lost to Japan, but the Brave Blossoms — buoyed by home support and Jones’s insider knowledge — will be keen to change that narrative.
Team News: Fresh Faces and New Leadership
Coach Joe Schmidt has made significant changes to his squad, opting for a refreshed lineup and a new leader. Nick Champion de Crespigny will captain the side, while Schmidt has rested several key stars including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Fraser McReight.
Returning from injury are Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch, while Josh Flook and Hunter Paisami form a new centre pairing. The forward pack has also been reshaped, with Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, and Zane Nonggorr in the front row, and Jeremy Williams joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row.
For Japan, Eddie Jones has injected experience and familiarity into his lineup. Michael Leitch and Ben Gunter rejoin the back-row, and Gunter is one of four Australian-born players in the squad alongside Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen, and Sam Greene. Yoshitaka Yazaki takes the fullback spot, with Kippei Ishida returning to the right wing.
Why It Matters
Beyond national pride, this match carries significant implications for Australia’s World Cup seeding and morale heading into the northern hemisphere leg of their tour. For Japan, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against a top-tier nation and gauge progress under Jones’s leadership.
How to Watch the Wallabies v Japan Test
Kick-off: Saturday afternoon (local time)
Venue: Japan
Here’s how to watch the action live around the world:
Australia: Stan Sport
New Zealand: Sky Sport
South Africa/Africa: SuperSport
Argentina / South America / North America: ESPN
Canada: TSN
USA: FloSports
UK & Ireland: Sky Sports
France / Monaco / Luxembourg / Andorra: Canal+
Italy / Vatican City / San Marino / Canton Ticino (Switzerland): Sky Italia
Rest of Europe: Sanzaarrugby.tv
Japan: Wowow
Fiji: Sky
Pacific Islands: Digicel
Here are the next five games for the Wallabies:
(All times AEDT)
Saturday, October 25
Japan vs. Wallabies at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo (11:20 a.m.)
Saturday, November 1
England vs. Wallabies at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (8:40 p.m.)
Saturday, November 8
Italy vs. Wallabies at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine (11:10 p.m.)
Sunday, November 16
Ireland vs. Wallabies at Aviva Stadium, Dublin (1:40 a.m.)
Sunday, November 23
France vs. Wallabies at Stade de France, Paris (1:40 a.m.)