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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game slide and keeps Australia's perfect track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will strive to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced an already revamped side to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks but unable to break through over 32 rucks. Following probing central channels without success, the team finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

Another potential try by a flanker got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial set-piece then a penalty. They held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought victory which sets them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.