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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week road trip. This canny yet risky move echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks but failing to break through over 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score from a flanker was disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. The team held on under pressure, sealing a gritty victory that prepares the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.