The Wallabies turn their attention towards Japan as they face the Brave Blossoms in a two-Test series.
It marks the first under new coach Les Kiss as the Australians head to Osaka for the opening game, followed by a trip to Townsville for both teams.
Watch every second of the Wallabies 2026 season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Japan are coming off a rocky Nations Championship campaign but have plenty of familiar faces, most notably former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
Rugby.com.au gives you the breakdown of everything you need to know about Japan.
Japan started 2026 with a statement win over Italy, recording a 27-10 victory to kick start their year.
This was followed by a 36-20 defeat to Ireland in Australia, returning home to a 42-15 loss to France.
The Japanese finished 2025 with a narrow win over Georgia, having lost to Wales, Ireland and Australia previously.
Backs: Itsuki Kamimura, Naoto Saito, Haturo Watanabe, Ryunosuke Ito, Samisoni Tua, Dylan Riley, Shota Taira, Inoke Burua, Kippei Ishida, Haruto Kida, Taira Main, Kazuma Uefa, Takuro Matsunaga, Shunshuke Uenobo, Yoshitaka Yazaki
Forwards: Hayate Era, Mamoru Harada, Kenji Sato, Kanato Hirano, Takato Okabe, Sojiro Otsuka, Izi Sword, Shuhei Takeuchi, Keijiro Tamefusa, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns, Harry Hockings, Michael Stolberg, Tiennan Costley, Ben Gunter, Esei Ha'angana, Michael Leitch, Faulua Makisi, Kanji Shimokawa
Japan are a growing nation within World Rugby, with skipper Warner Dearns at the forefront.
Dearns' skills were on full display during Super Rugby Pacific, named in the team of the tournament after he helped power the Hurricanes to the title.
In terms of forwards, he's one of the best in the world, whilst veteran Michael Leitch is the heart and soul of the team.
In the backline, Aussie-born centre Dylan Riley continues to impress.
Coach Eddie Jones has shown significant faith in Uni student Yoshitaka Yazaki at fullback, with the 22-year-old rapidly developing for the Brave Blossoms.
Yazaki is lightning quick and was strong in defeat to the Wallabies last October.
He could be joined in the backfield by Inoke Burua, who finished the previous League One season with 15 tries.
It's a factor that will be brought up constantly as the country is swept by a heat wave.
There's an excessive heat warning in Osaka, with temperatures set to reach up to 36 degrees with the 60% humidity making it feel hotter.
Saturday is forecast to be slightly cooler at 34 degrees during the day, set to be close to 30 at kick-off with potential rain.
If it is these conditions, expect plenty of water breaks and an extended half-time.
Japan's coach is an old friend in Eddie Jones, the last man to take the Wallabies to the World Cup.
Jones' stint in charge in 2023 ended prematurely after a rough World Cup campaign, immediately returning to Japan amid rumours of meetings.
The results have been mixed, finishing as finalists of the Pacific Nations Cup in 2024 and 2025.
Japan have never beaten the Wallabies in the seven matches between the two sides.
The 19-15 defeat in October was the closest the Japanese have ever come to tasting victory.
The two teams have never played in Osaka, although Australia A defeated Japan there in 2003, claiming the 63-5 win.
Japan last played a Test in the region in 2009 against South Korea.
There’s a lot and it's not just Eddie Jones.
Japan have a host of players born in Australia, with former Reds lock Harry Hockings to most notable.
He joins a stacked forward pack that includes Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter, both who have played big minutes in the past, whilst former Australia U20 backrower Esei Ha'angana recently debuted.
Riley is the most notable of the backs, with flyhalf Sam Greene also featuring for the Japanese in the past.
1. Takato Okabe
2. Hayate Era
3. Shuhei Takeuchi
4. Harry Hockings
5. Warner Dearns
6. Ben Gunter
7. Kanji Shimokawa
8. Jack Cornelsen
9. Naoto Saito
10. Ryunosuke Ito
11. Kazuma Ueda
12. Samisoni Tua
13. Dylan Riley
14. Kippei Ishida
15. Yoshitaka Yazaki
