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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will aim to replicate previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week road trip. This shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches yet unable to break through over 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score from a flanker was disallowed twice due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet weather, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.