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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose after a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-Test road trip. This shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks yet unable to break through over thirty-two phases. After probing central channels without success, the team finally went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.