Wallabies vs Japan recap: Kiss era kicks off with tense win after red card drama

And that’s a wrap from our live coverage of an entertaining Test in Osaka.

We will do it all again next Saturday in Townsville.

Thanks for joining us!

The Wallabies have survived a gigantic scare in Osaka, hanging on to beat Eddie Jones’s Japan 35-32 to hand Les Kiss a win in his first Test in charge since taking over from Joe Schmidt.

In sweltering conditions, Japan captain Warner Dearns scored in the 79th minute to give the home side a glimmer of hope.

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Wallabies survive giant scare against Eddie’s Japan

Japan coach Eddie Jones has lamented another one that got away after losing 35-32 to the Wallabies in Osaka.

Australia beat the Brave Blossoms 19-15 in Tokyo last year.

“We let ourselves down with a few fundamental errors in the last 20 minutes where we had an opportunity to probably put Australia away, so I’m pretty disappointed, mate,” Jones told Morgan Turinui on Stan Sport.

“But, you know, I’m really proud of how hard the players are playing, and you know, there’s a lot of development in this team.”

A relieved Les Kiss reflects on his first Test in the hot seat after watching the Wallabies beat Japan 35-32.

“That was tough, wasn’t it,” Kiss told Stan Sport.

“Not just the conditions, You know they’re a good team, they play fast and hard, at home in their backyard, they’re a tough team to play against. Probably offered a few too many opportunities for them, you know, some kicking went astray.

“Overplayed a couple of times, you want to be able to be ambitious but at the same time temper that. But overall, that’s a Test win. Well done, boys.”

What did Kiss tell his team at halftime?

“I think the main thing was to make sure we conserve our own energy, don’t try to play wide, wide, play more direct.”

There is still a massive question mark over the Wallabies’ No.10 jersey after Declan Meredith’s scratchy performance tonight.

Ben Donaldson came off the bench while Carter Gordon missed out on selection.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, Japan are a quality side, and they showed that tonight,” Meredith told Stan Sport.

“We’ll definitely take the win, but I think a lot of positives - new coaching staff. A lot of positives to take into next week.

“I think we’ve got a lot of boys with different strengths in our D-line. We just wanted them to show those strengths and I think the boys executed that well tonight.

“We’re still trying to find continuity, but again, I think a lot of positives going into next week.”

The Wallabies have opened the Les Kiss era with a tense 35-32 win over Japan in steamy Osaka.

The Aussie defence stood up late to force a knock-on from Brave Blossoms talisman Michael Leitch.

The same two teams will do battle next Saturday in Townsville.

“That was anxiety inducing,” Michael Atkinson says.

Warner Dearns sets up a grandstand finish!

The outstanding Japan captain powers over from close range and the Wallabies lead 35-32 with just over a minute to play.

Surely not...

And breathe, Wallabies fans!

Taniela Tupou scores a massive try for under the posts for the Wallabies as the forward pack goes to work against Japan.

Tate McDermott has added his usual spark and Australia are now beyond a converted try.

The Wallabies lead 35-25 after 70 minutes.

Takuro Matsunaga kicks another penalty and things are getting tense in Les Kiss’ first Test.

The Wallabies lead has been cut to 28-25 after 59 minutes as 37-year-old Michael Leitch enters the fray for Japan.

Australia are 7-0 in official Tests against Japan.

Takuro Matsunaga boots Japan within six points as captain Warner Dearns opts for the shot at goal.

The Wallabies lead 28-22 after 54 minutes, and they are back to 15 men as Jeremy Williams enters the contest.