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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top lineup will aim to repeat previous thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test tour. This canny yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began strongly, with hooker Hayate Era landing multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches but failing to break through for 32 rucks. Following testing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for a historic victory over Australia.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial scrum then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares them up for their European tour.