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In a bold strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week tour. The canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' line, hammering the defense via short-range attacks yet failing to score over 32 phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through and setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.