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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced the already revamped side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, pounding the defense via one-inch punches yet unable to break through over thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels without success, they finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with more energy after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win which prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.