The Les Kiss era as the new Australia head coach began with a 35-32 win over Japan in Osaka last weekend and the new Wallabies boss knows his side will be in for another tough Test match against the Brave Blossoms on Saturday.
Japan nearly capitalised on a Miles Amatosero red card but it was the Wallabies who held their nerve to come out on top at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.
Heading to Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday for the second encounter in the 2026 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup, expect another resolute display from Japan that will provide a tough test for the Wallabies once again.
Australia v Japan Tips Summary
Best Bet - Japan -17.5 handicap @ 1.90
Alternative Bet - Over 61.5 total points @ 1.90
Bet Builder - Max Jorgensen & Faulua Makisi anytime tryscorers @ 7.50
Australia v Japan Prediction
Best Bet: Japan -17.5 handicap @ 1.90
Losing by just three points in Osaka last weekend, the Brave Blossoms will be wondering about what might have been, as they let the opportunity for a first-ever win over the Wallabies slip through their fingers.
Experienced head coach Eddie Jones revealed his disappointment they could not get that one over the line and has made five changes for the trip to Townsville this weekend.
Australia have also made changes, with Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon the starting half-back pairing.
The Wallabies will be eager to be more disciplined following their red card last week and if they manage that, they should secure another victory on home soil.
However, Japan have shown they won’t go down without a fight and the -17.5 handicap for the Wallabies looks too generous here.
Alternative Bet: Over 61.5 total points @ 1.90
Having played out a 67-point shootout last weekend in Osaka, another high-scoring encounter is likely to be on the cards on Saturday.
Warm and dry conditions are expected in Townsville, providing perfect conditions for running rugby for two sides who don’t need a second invitation to throw the ball about.
Given their last meeting and the conditions expected this weekend, going for over 61.5 total points gets the nod.
Australia v Japan Bet Builder Tip
Max Jorgensen anytime tryscorer
Faulua Makisi anytime tryscorer
Pays 7.50
Two players who scored in last week’s Test match in Osaka get the nod in the anytime tryscorer market in this two-fold Bet Builder.
Max Jorgensen scored his eighth Test try for his country last weekend and is fancied to go over again, as is Faulua Makisi, who also scored in Osaka on the back of scoring 13 tries for the Kubota Spears in Japan's top flight last season.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Australia won the first Test in the 2026 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup 35-32 in Osaka last weekend
The Wallabies have won all of their previous six meetings with Japan
Japan have lost their last three games going into this match
Australia have lost six of their last eight Test matches
Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
