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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches yet unable to score for thirty-two rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center breaking through before setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the contest close.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which sets them up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.