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In a bold strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. This canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering multiple big tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks yet unable to score over 32 phases. Following probing central channels ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for Australia. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.