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In a bold move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat previous thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. This shrewd yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to break through for thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing through before setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score by a flanker was denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after through Tizzano powering over close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.