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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had much on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week tour. This canny yet risky move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing several monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped side to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to score over thirty-two phases. After probing central channels without success, the team finally went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line before setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further potential score from a flanker got denied twice due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with more energy after halftime, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which sets the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.