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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top lineup will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week tour. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through over 32 phases. After testing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly with the flanker powering over close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, Japan struck back when the fullback fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.