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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win ends a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing several monster hits to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled side to adjust their pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet unable to score over 32 phases. After probing the middle ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking the line before assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the match was in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key scrum and a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty victory which prepares them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.