The Wallabies have locked in a Test against Japan in Oita on October 23 before they continue north for clashes with Scotland, England and Wales.
Japan, ranked 10th in the world to Australia’s fifth, are a nation on the rise and qualified for their first Rugby World Cup quarterfinals at home in 2019.
It will be the first Wallabies-Japan Test since 2017 when Australia romped to a 63-30 win in Yokohama.
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“We’re really looking forward to squaring off against Japan,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“They showed everyone at the World Cup in 2019 that they are a top nation and can match it with the best.
“(Japan coaches) Jamie (Joseph) and Tony (Brown) have built a formidable squad that plays a really exciting, up tempo style.
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“We need to continue to test ourselves with this variety of play, so this is an important match for us as we continue to build ahead of the next World Cup in France.
“It’s been a really big year already for our squad with some starting back in February for Super Rugby AU so we will have to continue to manage the lads over the next month or two and into the Spring Tour in the UK.”
It will be just the seventh Test between the nations since their first meeting in 1975 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Today’s announcement is tremendous news that will be welcomed by Brave Blossoms fans in Japan and around the world,” Joseph said.
“As a team, we’re very much aware of the significance of this match, being almost two years to the day that Japan last played international rugby at home, in our Rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
“The opportunity to play a Test match on home soil, against a team the quality of Australia, is a hugely important moment for us to reconnect with our fans and the wider Japanese public, following the success of the 2019 World Cup.
“The Wallabies are a strong team, with quality players throughout their squad.
“Like Japan, they look to play an exciting brand of fast, attacking, running rugby.
“The match will be a great opportunity for us to play our style of rugby against a side that brings something different to the Test matches we have played in recent years.
“Both Japan and Australia will be heading onto Europe following the match, so both teams we will be looking to make the best possible start to their upcoming tours.”
Wallabies 2021 Spring Tour fixtures (all times AEST)
Japan, Saturday October 23 at 3.45pm
Scotland, Monday November 8 at 1.15am
England, Sunday November 14 at 4.30am
Wales, Sunday November 21 at 4.30am