Wallabies Use Saunas to Beat the Heat Before Japan Test

The Australian rugby team, known as the Wallabies, are getting ready to face Japan this Saturday in a tough two-Test series. To prepare, the players have been sitting in saunas and training in extreme heat to get their bodies used to the hot conditions. Japan's coach Eddie Jones is expected to use the scorching weather as a weapon against the visiting Australians.

Wallabies forward Rob Valetini revealed that the team started doing sauna sessions back in Sydney before they even left for Japan. The sessions have continued in Osaka, where the team is staying. 'We're just trying to get daily exposures to that. I don't know if it's working, today was pretty cooked, so we'll see how we go,' Valetini said with a laugh.

Sports science supports the team's plan. Spending time in high heat over 8 to 14 days can help athletes adjust to warm conditions. It helps the body hold more blood, sweat in smarter ways, and keep the heart rate steady — and some of these changes can happen in as little as five days.

Japan has been playing very well lately and is a serious threat. In July, the Brave Blossoms beat Italy 27–10 and pushed both Ireland and France hard. Against Ireland, Japan was only six points behind with ten minutes left before Ireland pulled away to win 36–20, and even Ireland's coach admitted the final score was flattering.

Valetini warned that Japan loves to play at a very fast pace, especially in the heat. 'Japan are a team that love to play fast. We saw a few of their games against France and Ireland where they were taking quick taps, even in their half,' he said. He added that Australia knows Japan will try to wear them down: 'We think that they'll try to use that in their game plan and try to run us off our feet.'

There is also a key player change heading into the match. Inside centre Hunter Paisami is set to replace Len Ikitau, who had minor ankle surgery last month and is out for the entire two-Test series. Paisami, who is 28 years old, played in Australia's narrow win over Japan in Tokyo last October and is familiar with this opponent.

Paisami has not had many chances to play recently, featuring in only four Tests since 2024. He has also just signed a three-year deal to play club rugby in Japan for the Shizuoka Blues Revs. This weekend is a major opportunity for him to impress new Wallabies coach Les Kiss and push for a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad.

The Wallabies know they cannot afford any mistakes against a fired-up Japan side. Valetini reminded his teammates how close Japan came to beating them last year. 'They stick into it, and they stay in the fight. Last year we fell off a bit there, and with a team like Japan, they were able to pounce on that,' he said, making clear that Australia will need to be at their very best on Saturday.