Australia’s Northern Hemisphere tour began on a tense note in Tokyo, where debut captain Nick Champion de Crespigny scored a try and inspired the Wallabies to grind out a 19–15 victory over a spirited Japan side on Saturday evening.
In only his third test appearance, de Crespigny embraced his unexpected leadership role—becoming the Wallabies’ 92nd test captain—and made an early statement by crashing over for Australia’s opening try in the 13th minute. Despite his strong personal display, the visitors labored for long stretches against a disciplined and fast-improving Japan outfit that refused to fade.
Josh Flook and Carlo Tizzano also crossed the whitewash for Australia, who built a 14–3 halftime lead but failed to convert dominance into a comfortable win. Japan responded with tries from prop Shuhei Takeuchi and back-rower Ben Gunter, cutting the deficit to four points and setting up a nervous finish as the Wallabies clung on.
Australia’s performance was undermined by poor handling, erratic lineouts, and the early loss of locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham to injury. Their misfiring set piece allowed Japan to stay in the contest, while the home side’s defensive discipline and relentless line speed repeatedly shut down Australia’s attacking channels.
“It was a very disappointing game, but the scoreline was close and we should take pride in that,” said Japan captain Warner Dearns. “We showed fight throughout.”
Saturday’s test marked Australia’s first visit to Japan since 2017 and kicked off a demanding five-match tour that includes meetings with England, Italy, Ireland, and France. It was also the first on-field encounter between current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and his predecessor Eddie Jones—now steering Japan after a turbulent second stint in charge of Australia that ended with a disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign.
Schmidt’s decision to make 13 changes from the side that last played New Zealand in Perth produced a disjointed performance at times, with new combinations still finding their footing. Japan, by contrast, looked cohesive and well-drilled, defending 27 phases in one sustained sequence during the first half before conceding a yellow card to center Charlie Lawrence for repeated infringements.
Australia’s best moments came through quick decision-making and physicality close to the line. De Crespigny’s early try stemmed from a Japanese handling error deep in their own territory, while Flook’s score followed a slick backline move linking Tane Edmed, Hunter Paisami, and Andrew Kellaway.
Takeuchi’s second-half try gave Japan renewed hope, but Tizzano’s powerful finish from a rolling maul briefly restored breathing room for the visitors. Gunter’s converted try in the dying stages reignited Japanese hopes, yet Australia’s defense held firm to secure a narrow victory.
The match also featured a rare milestone for prop Aidan Ross, who became just the fifth player ever to represent both New Zealand and Australia at test level. The former All Black debuted for the Wallabies in the 58th minute.
While the result offered Schmidt a winning start to the northern tour, the Wallabies’ lack of cohesion and precision will be a concern ahead of sterner tests in Europe. For Japan, the narrow margin of defeat underscored their steady progress under Jones and their ability to challenge top-tier opposition on home soil.
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