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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had much on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test tour. The canny yet risky move echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries struck early, with two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped side to adjust their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense via one-inch punches but unable to break through for 32 phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against Australia.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that prepares them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.