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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet unable to score for thirty-two rucks. After testing the middle without success, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for a historic win over Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece then a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad well for the upcoming European fixtures.