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In a bold strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record against Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger stars their chance, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test road trip. This shrewd though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet failing to score for 32 rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score from a flanker was denied twice due to dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At 19-15, the match was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win that sets them well for the upcoming European fixtures.