Japan will host the Wallabies in their first test match in Osaka, marking the start of the new Les Kiss era for the Australians.

The game is scheduled for 20:05 AEST on Saturday, August 8, with extreme temperatures highly likely due to the ongoing heatwave in Asia.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Australia to win

Value bet: Japan handicap

Long shot: 1st Half most points

Betting Preview

This game is going to be a huge test for Kiss’s side, as the former Queensland Reds coach takes over the role that he was given a year ago for the first time.

It will be one that many Wallabies fans will be keeping a close eye on, with it being just a little over a year until they host the next Rugby World Cup on home soil.

A lot will need to change for the Wallabies, as the end of Joe Schmidt’s reign saw them win just two of their final eight Tests. It is worth noting, though, that one of those wins was against Japan in Tokyo last year.

Kiss is expected to have a team that is more experienced and polished than that one this time around. They managed to win 19-15 after narrowly avoiding embarrassment and Japan’s first-ever win against the Wallabies in their history.

Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will likely play pivotal roles for Kiss, and are capable of dictating the match.

Still, they’ll have to be aware of Eddie Jones’s team and the aggressive nature they play with. Japan likes to play fast and attack from wherever they are positioned on the field.

Players like Warner Dearns, Michael Leitch, Dylan Riley and Lee Seung-sin will all be key. They have been the spine of the team and all will have to perform well if Japan are to give Australia a scare again.

Betting Markets to Watch

Australia have been made huge pre-match moneyline favourites to win this encounter. This is likely due to the history between these two sides and the new feeling and momentum that can come from a new regime being started.

There may be better value in the handicap market for this game, given Japan's perceived underdog status. They have much better value in this one, as they have the ability to keep games extremely tight, especially when playing at home. 

The weather and temperature could also come into play here, while the Wallabies are still learning under Kiss.

By extension, we think there’s value worth exploring in the ‘ winning margin ’ market, with the Australia to win by 1-7 outcome providing an inflated price, given the factors that we have highlighted.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Japan vs Australia betting odds at Sportsbet.

We think the most likely outcome is an Australia win . A long shot for this game is in the ‘ Highest Scoring Half ’ market, with the ‘ 1st Half ’ offering significant value worth exploring.

The two teams could look to start fast because of the conditions, knowing that both teams are likely to tire more quickly in the second. 

Also, with Japan playing fast and the Wallabies under Kiss for the first time, the first 40 minutes could be very interesting in terms of points.