Overview
- Nick Champion de Crespigny captained in his third Test and scored the opener, with Josh Flook and Carlo Tizzano also crossing.
- Japan rallied through Shuhei Takeuchi and Australia-born Ben Gunter to cut the margin to four before Australia closed it out.
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto left early and replacement Josh Canham failed a head injury assessment, with coach Joe Schmidt indicating call-ups are likely.
- Debutant prop Aidan Ross became the fifth player to represent both New Zealand and Australia in Test rugby.
- The result launches a five-Test tour that continues against England, Italy, Ireland and France and keeps Australia unbeaten in seven meetings with Japan.