Teenager Dom Shipperley secured the Reds' win five minutes from full-time when the Australian Sevens team member used a big step to deliver Queensland a four tries-to-two victory.

Japan, only days away from playing in the Pacific Nations Cup, defended valiantly and led the match 17-12 with 14 minutes remaining.

However late tries to Scott Higginbotham and Shipperley ensured the Reds victory after they had dominated field position and territory for the majority of the game.

Despite the Reds' strong territorial advantage, Japan went into half-time leading 10-7 when winger Koji Tomioka pounced on a grubber kick.

Japan's other try came from a well constructed 80-metre effort finished by replacement flanker Yoshitaka Nakayama. -- AFP