The Wallabies will host Japan in the second of their two Test matches as they look to continue to improve under Les Kiss.

Australia made a winning start to the new regime last weekend, winning 35-32 in Osaka. Now, they’ll have the chance to secure repeat success in Townsville, QLD. The game will be played on Saturday, August 15, at 15:15 AEST.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Australia to win

Value bet: Australia 8-14 points winning margin

Long shot: Japan handicap

Betting Preview

The first Test was a lot closer than many had anticipated. You might remember, though, that in our preview of the first match, we mentioned there would be value worth exploring in the ‘ winning margin ’ market, with the ‘ Australia to win by 1-7 ’ outcome providing an inflated price. And so it proved.

Eddie Jones’s Japan managed to expose Australia’s defence with a combination of pace, quick transitions and intelligent attacking width, particularly in the second half. The Wallabies played a lengthy spell down a man after lock Miles Amatosero’s red card on 32 minutes, yet still scored five tries and found a late Taniela Tupou try that proved decisive.

But Japan stayed alive to the final moments and scored through captain Warner Dearns late on, which almost saw them take advantage of the inconsistencies that Kiss’s team had. Of course, teething issues were evident, with Australia’s exit kicking, ruck defence and decision-making among them.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out of the second Test with a minor hamstring strain, while Len Ikitau is also unavailable through an ankle issue. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tom Hooper are among the candidates to replace Amatosero, while Carter Gordon could replace Declan Meredith after a difficult kicking game.

Betting Markets to Watch

Once again, Australia have been made huge pre-match moneyline favourites , with their squad power, depth, and quality likely reflected in the price. On top of that, they are very strong in Queensland.

Across Tests played in QLD, Australia’s historical record is 67 wins, 3 draws and 36 losses, which is about a 63% win rate. That is much stronger than their historical record in New South Wales, which is below 50%.

They will also have strong home support, with seven of their last nine home Tests have sold out, including five straight at capacity.

This game is likely to produce something a little different to the first Test. The Wallabies are exceptionally strong at home, while Kiss has already revealed they have the ‘licence to play’ in this one after a tight first affair.

Given that they played most of the first Test a man down, this could see a larger points margin in Australia’s favour. ‘ Australia to win by 15+ ’ is the short-priced option in this market, although there may be better value in the ‘ Australia 8-14 ’ market.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Australia vs Japan betting odds at Sportsbet.

We think the most likely outcome is an Australia win .

Our long shot is the Japan handicap ; the line has been set at +17.5 points, which would still cover the 15+ Australia win margin.

The Brave Blossoms are a well-run operation under Jones and have the potential to cover, leaving better value in the ‘ Australia 8-14 ’ margin.