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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-Test tour. The canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches yet failing to score for thirty-two rucks. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score by a flanker was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via a forward to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.