The Wallabies had to dig deep for a 35-32 win over Japan in Osaka on Saturday.
The visitors were down to 14 for the start of the second half after Miles Amatosero was red carded for a dangerous cleanout.
But the Wallabies rallied after the break, just doing enough to hold out Japan's last flourish.
The match is Les Kiss' first in charge of the Australians, taking over from departing boss Joe Schmidt.
SCORES
WALLABIES 35: Tries: Potter, Wright, Jorgensen, McReight, Tupou Cons: Lonergan 4/4, Donaldson 1/1
JAPAN 32 Tries: Ito, Makisi, Ueda, Dearns Cons: Matsunaga 3/4 Pens: Matsunaga 2/2